As Africa faces mounting unemployment rates and an urgent need for sustainable solutions, green technology training is emerging as a key opportunity for change. At COP29, climate experts and advocates rallied for an increased focus on specialized education in green technologies across African higher learning institutions. They believe that by tapping into this transformative sector, young graduates can not only secure employment but also lead the charge in tackling climate change.
During a dynamic panel discussion at COP29 on November 16, 2024, experts highlighted the innovative potential of Africa’s youth, especially in the growing tech startup space. These startups are creating green solutions, from renewable energy to sustainable agriculture, that could revolutionize the continent’s environmental landscape. However, to truly unlock the potential of these emerging green technologies, experts argue that investment in specialized education is crucial.
Priscilla Adogo Ahiada, the head of the energy program at the Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND), called for urgent action to equip young Africans with the skills needed to thrive in the green economy. She emphasized the importance of creating education pathways that lead to sustainable careers in green tech, particularly in higher education institutions focused on environmental innovation.
Bridging the Skills Gap for a Green Future
Africa’s youth population is expected to reach 850 million by 2050, and with rising unemployment rates despite policies like the African Union Youth Charter, there is an undeniable need for targeted educational interventions. Experts argue that investing in green tech training could unlock millions of jobs by 2030, particularly in sectors like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management.
Dr. Augustine Njamnshi, executive director of the African Coalition for Sustainable Energy and Access (ACSEA), emphasized that the pace of technological change demands a corresponding shift in higher education to prepare Africa’s youth for the future. “Technology is evolving rapidly, and we need to adapt our education systems to these new realities,” said Njamnshi. “Africa must tap into its human resource potential and invest in green tech training to drive job creation and economic progress.”
The Role of Universities in Climate Action
Beyond training the next generation of green tech leaders, universities have an essential role in climate action. Valery Salas Flores, a student at the University of Oxford’s MSc in Sustainability, stressed the importance of integrating climate education across disciplines. From business and law to engineering and the arts, universities need to commit to embedding sustainability into every area of study. By doing so, they can foster a generation of leaders capable of addressing the complex climate challenges ahead.
“Universities worldwide must take action, not just in teaching but in leading by example,” said Flores. “This includes setting net-zero carbon goals and embracing sustainability initiatives to show the way for future generations.”
Funding and Gender Disparities: Key Challenges to Overcome
While the potential for green tech education to drive employment is clear, experts also acknowledge significant barriers to progress, including insufficient funding and gender disparities. Dr. Mithika Mwenda, executive director of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), spoke about the challenges facing training programs for young African graduates. Despite partnerships with universities like Meru University of Science and Technology in Kenya, limited financial support is restricting the capacity of these programs to expand.
Addressing the skills gap is a critical part of Africa’s strategy to build a green economy. “Africa needs to invest in comprehensive green tech education to ensure that its youth are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow,” Dr. Mwenda stated.
The Digital and Green Transitions: A Dual Path Forward
In her groundbreaking paper, UNESCO’s Stefania Giannini highlighted the need for education to bridge the gap between the green transition and the digital age. She argued that digital technologies, particularly AI, can play a crucial role in accelerating green solutions. By leveraging these technologies, Africa can not only tackle climate change but also drive economic growth.
“Education is the key to harmonizing these two transitions,” Giannini noted. “By teaching students how to use digital tools to understand and combat climate change, we can empower them to become catalysts for a sustainable future.”
A Green Revolution Awaits Africa
The push for green tech education aligns with broader global goals for renewable energy and sustainable development. At COP29, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the transformative potential of renewable energy to revolutionize Africa’s economy, offering new opportunities for jobs, healthcare, and economic stability.
From Cairo to Cape Town, the push for clean energy could not only address Africa’s pressing energy needs but also serve as a launchpad for the continent’s green revolution. By investing in green technology education today, Africa can prepare its youth for a future that is both economically prosperous and environmentally sustainable.
Africa’s green tech future is within reach—if the continent can harness the power of education and innovation to overcome the barriers of unemployment and climate change. Now is the time to invest in the skills that will shape a sustainable, prosperous tomorrow for Africa and the world.
