Building dignified livelihoods for Africa’s youth requires overhauling the continent’s industries, which is a pathway for climate transformation. This according to a Green Livelihood Roundtable, presents an opportunity to reshape industrial action on the continent from the ground up.
The roundtable convened key individuals from academia, industry, international development sector and the youth population to raise key challenges and opportunities to facilitate Africa’s workforce to participate in the green economy.
The roundtable that was hosted by Jacob’s Ladder Africa, a not-for-profit organisation focused on green workforce readiness, along with the Future of Development Programme at the Oxford Martin School (University of Oxford), discussed green livelihoods and the future of jobs in Africa.
Speaking at the event, Sellah Bogonko, CEO and co-founder Jacob’s Ladder Africa said, “Climate change presents Africa with an opportunity- which if harnessed can significantly address the giant that is youth unemployment on the continent.
“We have a vision to catalyse 30 million jobs in the green economy in Africa by 2033 and through forums like these we are able to establish collaboration with like-minded organisations and individuals.”
Africa has three elements that position it well for a rapid green industrial transformation: youthful population driven to innovation, a wealth of natural resources and an abundance of renewable energy potential such as geothermal, solar and wind resources.
According to James Mwangi, CEO Africa Climate Ventures, embracing renewable energy for the continent’s use can eliminate approximately 12bn tonnes out of the global emissions ecosystem.
A demand-driven approach to skills development is required in order to help young people leverage the opportunities in the green economy. Climate action requires significant funding to support infrastructure development.
“We need an innovative ecosystem to bring government, private sector, investor capitalists, academia and entrepreneurs in order to leverage the opportunities in the green economy,” Dr. Mahreen Khan from the University of Oxford, said.