BEP
Strategic Energy Planning & Industrial Ecology — Blended Executive Programme
Politecnico di Milano, Department of Energy
From 5 to 21 November 2025, the EN:lab building at Politecnico di Milano welcomed 23 international professionals — academics, researchers, and African experts — for the on-campus phase of the Blended Executive Programme (BEP) Strategic Energy Planning and Industrial Ecology for Local Sustainable and Just Development in an Era of Geopolitical Uncertainties. The programme, part of the SHARE_Africa project promoted by the IHEA Foundation, acts as a bridge between Italian and African higher education, aiming to foster a new model of cooperation based on science, research, and education.
A Diverse and Collaborative Community
Participants come from Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Algeria, bringing together diverse academic and professional backgrounds. This mix of expertise enables the exchange of knowledge and the development of solutions tailored to sustainable local development.
As Prof. Emanuela Colombo from the Department of Energy and member of the SHARE_Africa Scientific Committee notes:
“The approach adopted is that of true mutual learning: a process in which different skills and perspectives come together, generating shared knowledge and fairer solutions for sustainable development.”
Emanuela Colombo
Department of Energy - Polimi
Hands-On Learning and Project Work
During the on-campus phase, participants worked in multidisciplinary teams on ambitious projects, such as designing mini-grids for rural, non-electrified areas in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. They integrated energy modelling with economic analysis and presented their results at the end of the programme — a practical exercise in collaboration, knowledge exchange, and real-world problem solving.
Continuing the Journey
The BEP continues beyond the classroom. From December 2025 to February 2026, participants will complete online MOOC modules to consolidate their skills and prepare for future collaborations, including joint research initiatives, laboratories, and educational programs.
SHARE_Africa positions Africa at the heart of the global energy transition, fostering long-lasting partnerships between Italy and African countries based on trust, expertise, and sustainability.
