The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) has secured CAD 1.5 million in funding from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada, to implement the Women and Clean Energy in West Africa (WOCEWA) project. This initiative supports the ECOWAS Policy for Gender Mainstreaming in Energy Access, which aims to overcome barriers to the equal participation of women and men in expanding energy access in West Africa. The WOCEWA project specifically focuses on gender mainstreaming in the private sector and enhancing women’s roles as both consumers and suppliers of clean energy.
To achieve this, the WOCEWA Scholarship and Green Jobs Program has been strengthened to build a future pool of women leaders in the energy sector. ECREEE will provide scholarships and automatic internships at ECOWAS energy institutions and agencies to address the low participation of women in this field. A total of six young women from West Africa will be sponsored to complete their master’s programs and gain work experience through six-month internships, increasing their employment prospects in the energy sector.
WOCEWA Scholarship and Internship Program
The WOCEWA project offers scholarships to young West African women pursuing master’s degrees in energy-related fields. Scholarships are available to candidates with an excellent academic record, who will also have the opportunity for internships at ECREEE, the West African Power Pool (WAPP), ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA), ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC), and other specialized ECOWAS agencies and partners.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be a citizen of one of the ECOWAS Member States.
- Registered in the first year of a master’s degree program at a university in West Africa.
- Be female with a background in STEM with an energy focus.
- Maximum age of 32 years at the end of 2024.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5/5 (Upper Second-Class or equivalent of 14/20 in the francophone system).
- Must not have an existing scholarship from another organization.
- Provide proof of admission to an accredited West African university offering master’s degrees in STEM fields with a specialization in sustainable energy.
Scholarship and Internship Value:
The WOCEWA Scholarship offers:
- A maximum value of USD 3,200 per year, up to two years per person.
- Tuition fees and health insurance coverage up to USD 2,500 (any excess must be covered by the applicant).
- A computer, valued up to USD 700.
- A six-month internship covering travel, insurance, and subsistence, with a monthly stipend of USD 800.
Scholars must maintain high grades after their first-year master’s exams to qualify for the second year of the scholarship.
Application Procedure:
Interested applicants must submit a detailed CV and required documents via email to scholarships@ecreee.org with the subject line “WOCEWA SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM”. The deadline for submission is 03rd October 2024, at 23:59 (UTC-1).
Please direct any inquiries to pzidago@ecreee.org or eflan@ecreee.org. Do not copy these emails when submitting your application; doing so will result in disqualification.
Required Documents:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae
- Copy of passport biodata
- Certified copies of bachelor’s certificate
- Official transcripts from bachelor’s degree
- Proof of registration for master’s degree courses
- Bank details of your university for tuition fees
- Proof of admission in an eligible West African university and relevant course
- A motivation letter (300-500 words) addressed to the ECREEE Executive Director
- A commitment to adhere to the program’s terms and conditions
Applications will be reviewed by a committee following an objective and transparent process.
For further details, visit the Official Webpage of the Women and Clean Energy in West Africa (WOCEWA) Scholarship and Green Jobs Program.
