Africa Energy Indaba invests in future energy leaders

In its bid to support Africa’s energy leaders of tomorrow, the Africa Energy Indaba – the Continent’s leading energy event – is giving candidates of the World Energy Council’s Future Energy Leader’s Programme (WEC FELP) complimentary access to its 2014 event. The World Energy Council is an endorsing partner of the annual Africa Energy Indaba, and the February event is an official regional event of WEC Africa.

“We are thrilled to offer WEC’s Future Energy Leaders the unique opportunity of attending the Africa Energy Indaba. Most of the FEL’s are coming from Africa and some from around the world. The purpose of this investment is to grow future energy leaders and we look forward to rich engagement with the continent’s inspiring young energy leaders,” says Liz Hart, Managing Director of Siyenza, the organisers of the Africa Energy Indaba.

The World Energy Council is the principal impartial network of leaders and practitioners promoting an affordable, stable and environmentally sensitive energy system for the greatest benefit of all. Formed in 1923, WEC is the UN-accredited global energy body, representing the entire energy spectrum, with more than 3000 member organisations located in over 90 countries.

WEC’s Future Energy Leaders Programme was formed in an effort to identify and encourage the next generation of energy leaders.

“According to our latest World Energy Issues Monitor, to be released at the Indaba, the Future Energy Leaders appear to be much more confident in the role that renewables will play in the future energy mix. More than the global energy community, young leaders believe in the power of innovation and new technologies as sustainable energy solutions. In a time of unprecedented uncertainty and complexity, it is vital to incorporate such fresh thinking, innovative ideas and approaches to address the challenges of tomorrow’s energy,” says Christoph Frei, Secretary General of the World Energy Council.

“Our Future Energy Leaders have already proved that they have the vision and ability to step up and together with the wider WEC leadership community we will have a strong programme of action at the Africa Energy Indaba.”

The Future Energy Leaders Programme selects exceptional young individuals with a commitment to shaping the global energy future. They are young leaders from all regions of the world and from diverse sectors such as government, industry, academia, civil society and social entrepreneurship. Successful applicants serve a three-year term as a “WEC Global FEL”. In addition to attending the World Energy Council’s triennial World Energy Congress, they have the opportunity to participate in WEC’s work programme and attend other select events such as the Africa Energy Indaba. At the end of their 3-year tenure, individuals can join the FEL-Alumni community and remain part of the WEC network.