Advancing clean energy education across Africa and beyond
Fellowships
The global shift towards clean and sustainable energy has accelerated the demand for skilled professionals in the renewable energy sector. The Sirius-X Energy Fellowship programme is a 3-month intensive training on sustainable development and climate change, which aims to empower and educate future energy leaders through innovative and comprehensive training modules that will build their knowledge and boost their creativity in providing energy transition solutions, and by extension, fosters a sustainable and responsible approach to environmental sustainability.
The key objectives of the fellowship include:
Fellowship Trainers
Tosin Afeniforo
Tosin Afeniforo is a science blogger, opinion writer, grassroots climate activist, and researcher. His areas of research and interest include climate change and health, environmental pollution, plastic pollution, climate-related displacement and inequality, NDCs, and ocean health. He was a fellow of the prestigious YALI Regional Leadership Centre West Africa, where he gained valuable skills and insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement. He is the owner of TSA Green Media, a platform where he translates complex scientific issues on climate change, pollution, and health into clear and engaging content for non-expert audiences; he also published several opinion pieces on BusinessDay and the Nation Newspaper.
Khaled Gaafar
Khaled is a System Dynamics Modeler at Climate Interactive. He combines simulation modeling and participatory methods to investigate complex systems.
Over the years, he has provided decision support to several humanitarian organizations and nonprofits as a consultant. Khaled’s work has spanned diverse topics such as food security and migration impacts of climate change, sustainability planning under high uncertainty, and other complex problems. He formerly served as a Supply Chain Manager at Procter & Gamble, where he focused on supply network synchronization.
Khaled holds a Master of Philosophy in System Dynamics from the University of Bergen and NOVA School of Science and Technology, an M.S. in Business Administration from Radboud University, and a B.S. in Civil Engineering and Management from Cairo University.
Ayodeji Stephen, Clean Energy Expert.
Ayodeji is the founder of Energy Gist, an energy consultancy focused on clean energy advocacy, research, and innovation in Africa. He formerly worked as a Technical Assistant at the International Power-toX Hub (IP2X), where he was instrumental in creating and putting into practice cutting-edge strategies for generating green hydrogen and advancing electric vehicles. Ayodeji is currently investigating the possibilities of hydrogen and electric vehicles as a way to decarbonise transport systems.
Shubhi Arora, Climate Finance Expert,
Shubhi Arora holds a Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering. She has over four years of experience in operations, consulting, and research across the energy sector. She works with youth organizations to advocate for a just transition. Shubhi is passionate about financing the clean energy transition to ensure equitable and affordable energy access for all.
Usha Pillai, Ph.D.
Meet Usha Pillai, Ph.D., After earning her Doctorate in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, Usha spent years in cutting-edge technology research at IBM and StorageTek (now Oracle). She then transitioned into entrepreneurship, launching companies specializing in language processing and artificial intelligence (AI). However, as she witnessed the immense energy demands of AI model training, she pivoted towards sustainability a decision that has reshaped her career and mission.
Sharon Chiahemen
Sharon Chiahemen is a seasoned climate change leader, publuc speaker and trainer with over 7 years of experience spearheading high-impact projects that drive social change. As the team lead of GreenWithGrin, she leads the charge in climate education, mobilizing hundreds of youth across 12 countries to take action through the Annual Greenie Challenge—an innovative campaign promoting sustainable living with a mix of fun, engaging activities, the challenge has now been taken by over a thousand persons across 10 countries.
Cohort 1
The first cohort of the Sirius-X Energy Academy Fellowship took place in 2024, with an overwhelming response of applicants from across Africa. After a thorough selection process, we welcomed 30 outstanding fellows to participate in an intensive 3-month virtual training. The successful fellows, after rigorous assessments, have now joined the growing community of clean energy leaders, ready to contribute innovative solutions to Africa’s energy challenges.
These exceptional individuals successfully passed the program, demonstrating their commitment and passion for sustainability and climate action. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and their readiness to make a lasting impact in the energy sector.
Cohort 2
Building on the success of the first cohort, we are excited to announce the 2025 Sirius-X Energy Fellowship (Cohort 2). We continue our mission to identify and empower passionate individuals across Africa who are ready to drive sustainable energy solutions. This year, we offer both on-site and virtual options, providing greater accessibility for those who wish to pursue this transformative program.
The 2025 Fellowship will run for a maximum duration of 3 months, requiring a commitment of at least 10 hours per week. The program includes live sessions anchored by world-class professionals, covering the following thematic areas:
- United Nations SDGs, focusing on SDGs 6, 7, 11, and 13
- Climate Change
- Energy Transition
- Environmental and Corporate Sustainability
- Climate Finance and Carbon Markets
Participants will have the opportunity to work with leading experts and engage in practical, solution-oriented discussions aimed at tackling energy and climate challenges.
Show more +Show less –Partnerships and Support
Sirius-X Energy Academy is open to strategic partnerships with industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and corporate sponsors to provide resources, mentorship, and technical support to the fellows.
Testimonials
Hear from our fellows and trainees who have benefited from Sirius-X programs!
“Joining the Sirius-X Energy Academy felt like the perfect step for me. This platform is dedicated to empowering future energy leaders and driving positive change in the sector. Through this journey, I developed key skills in the energy sector, gained inspiration from industry experts, and strengthened my teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
Sirius-X Energy Academy Fellow Cohort 1
Before the Sirius-X fellowship, I knew I wanted to explore the energy sector, but I never realized how diverse it was. The fellowship not only revealed the complexities of the sector in simple terms and its various branches, but it also helped me choose a specialization that I’m currently pursuing with sustainability in mind.
Sirius-X Energy Academy Fellow Cohort 1
As I reflect on my incredible journey as a fellow of the Sirius-X Energy Academy, I’m reminded of the initial doubts that crept into my mind. Was I, a pharmacy student, really suited for this? Will I be accepted? I wondered.
Sirius-X Energy Academy Fellow Cohort 1
