Background
African countries face the challenge of delivering green, resilient growth that simultaneously reduces poverty, creates jobs for some of the world’s youngest populations, and contributes to collective, global efforts to tackle the existential risk posed by the climate emergency. Recognising this development trilemma, the African Union’s (AU) Green Recovery Action Plan asserts that a green recovery will be incomplete until it alleviates the challenges of marginalised youth. It, therefore, calls for urgent responses and partnerships that centre on green jobs and socioeconomic mobility for the youth. Undoubtedly, the successful implementation of the AU’s green recovery plan and, consequently, the creation of green jobs for the youth will require green technology. Green technology and innovation are strong enablers of green growth, job creation and climate resilience. However, if one focuses on conventional green technologies, Africa remains the continent with the lowest access, as there is currently very little technology transfer happening on the continent.
If the right strategy is implemented, African economies can grow their green technology in ways that support their climate agenda and youth unemployment objectives. To this end, the Africa Policy Research Institute, in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, undertook a scoping study of Africa‘s green technology and youth employment space landscape. This scoping report explores the policy and programmatic environment for green technology in Africa and considers youth participation in green technology programmes. The report attempted to map.
- The policies and programmes at the intersection of green technology and youth employment
- The economic sectoral focus of green technology and Africa at continental and national levels
- Opportunities for further creating youth employment in green technology
- Opportunities for improved policy coherence and programmatic design for youth employment and entrepreneurship in green technology in Africa.
The Launch
Within the above context, APRI in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation convened an event to launch a new scoping report. Through an expert panel discussion, the event provided a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on the main report findings.
The Speakers
Dr. Eunice Muthengi
Speaker
Dr. Eunice Muthengi is the Director of Program and Strategic Research at the Mastercard Foundation.
Kate Rivett-Carnac
Speaker
Kate Rivett-Carnac has over twenty years of experience in research and advisory services. Her expertise is in planning for sustainability through new (low-carbon) sector development, business case articulation, programme and investment design, value chain insights, and general scoping research and analysis.
Dr Fadekunayo Adeniyi
Panelist
Dr Fadekunayo Adeniyi is a Climate Change and Green Growth Consultant at the African Development Bank.
Chiemela Anosike
Panelist
Chiemela Anosike is the founder of Solaris Green Tech Hub – a renewable energy company providing solar power charging booths and micro-power solutions to rural communities across Nigeria.
Moderation
Dr. Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi
Moderator
Dr. Tafadzwanashe Mabhaudhi a Research Group Leader at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Researcher at the International Water Management Institute.