The quest to empower Africa’s youth and ignite their passion for the renewable energy sector has gained momentum through the upcoming YES! Youth Energy Day scheduled for the 10th of November, 2023.
Joseph Nganga, the Vice President for Africa at the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, GEAPP, expressed excitement about the event, highlighting the collaborative efforts of various organizations in creating opportunities for the continent’s burgeoning talent pool.
“We are excited to reaffirm our partnership with YES! as its foundational partner and look forward to the upcoming Youth Energy Day on the 10th November 2023.
“Recognizing that young entrepreneurs often grapple with disproportionate barriers, including limited access to educational opportunities, project financing, and quality job prospects, we understand the critical need to empower them with relevant skills and support to seize opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
“Our shared vision is aligned with the ambitious global goal of generating hundreds of millions of green jobs by 2030. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with EnergyNet and our other partners, both in-person and through the Beyond Privilege platform, as a pivotal stride towards achieving these objectives.”
The event, a brainchild of EnergyNet, aims to bridge the gap between aspiring young professionals and established industry leaders. Nganga emphasized the challenges that often hinder the progress of young entrepreneurs, such as limited educational opportunities, inadequate project financing, and a dearth of quality job prospects.
The collaborative efforts between YES! and its partners strive to address these issues by providing relevant skills and support to the youth, propelling them into the renewable energy industry.
“Our shared vision is aligned with the ambitious global goal of generating hundreds of millions of green jobs by 2030. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with EnergyNet and our other partners, both in-person and through the Beyond Privilege platform, as a pivotal stride towards achieving these objectives,” Nganga said.
By combining in-person interactions across Nairobi, Lagos, Cape Town, and Cairo with the virtual accessibility of the Beyond Privilege platform, the event aspires to reach and inspire millions across the continent.
With an extensive lineup of reputable partners, including the likes of Nedbank CIB, Siemens Energy, GE Vernova, Schneider Electric, Standard Bank, Huawei Technologies, and the South Africa’s IPP Office, the Youth Energy Day promises a diverse array of career opportunities, ranging from engineering and finance to technology, legal, and governmental roles. The amalgamation of different sectors underscores the far-reaching impact of the energy industry and its potential to cater to various interests and skill sets.
The focal point of the event will be the ‘Tomorrow’s Jobs Today’ sessions, designed to showcase the evolving landscape of Africa’s energy sector and the diverse skill sets necessary for its progression. These sessions, along with the Graduate Recruitment Spotlights, will provide young professionals with invaluable insights into the inner workings of the industry, presenting a plethora of promising career paths and growth opportunities.
Simon Gosling, the Managing Director of EnergyNet, emphasized the transformative power of events like the Youth Energy Day, aiming to reshape the perception of the energy sector among the youth. Gosling stressed that the lack of awareness regarding the abundance of opportunities within the sector often deters young minds from considering it as a viable career option. The initiative, therefore, serves as a beacon of change, illuminating the boundless potential and excitement that the energy industry holds for the next generation of African leaders.
