Program Overview

Introduction to the Advanced Skills Course

The Advanced Skills Course "Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biomaterials for the Green Transition" is a collaborative effort between the Politecnico di Torino, the African Institute for Capacity Development AICAD, and the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology - JKUAT, within the framework of the TNE Wagon2Africa project. This course focuses on the "energy" element of the water-energy-food nexus, aiming to train young talents and professionals in sustainable biofuel production and climate-resilient agricultural and energy systems in Africa.

Course Objectives and Scope

The primary objective of the course is to promote soil recovery and carbon-neutral or carbon-negative biofuels through the use of marginal and degraded lands. It integrates urban waste valorisation, primarily through anaerobic digestion, to enhance resource recovery, close nutrient cycles, and generate additional economic value from co-products.

Thematic Areas Covered

The one-week program covers the following thematic areas:

• Biomass production (agricultural and forestry sectors)
• Biomass conversion technologies
• Biofuels and bio-based products
• Sustainability and carbon accounting
• End-use sectors (CHP, road, maritime, and aviation)
• Socio-economic aspects
• Policy and regulatory frameworks

Target Audience

The Advanced Skills Course is designed for:

• Students holding a Bachelor's degree
• Researchers
• Professionals from academia, private sector, public institutions, and international organisations active in the fields of energy, agriculture, and the environment.

Course Details

• Duration: One week
• Date: February 16th - 20th, 2026
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Scientific Coordinators: Prof. David Chiaramonti, Prof. Michel Noussan

Documents and Selection Process

• Call for Applications: Issued by Decree of the General Director of Politecnico di Torino n. 2080/2025 dated 12/12/2025
• Amendment to the Call for Applications: Issued by Decree of the General Director of Politecnico di Torino n. 8/2026 dated 12/01/2026
• Appointment of the Selection Board: By Rectoral Decree n. 1387/2025 of 16/12/2025
• Provisional Rankings: 19/01/2026