The renewable energy sector is expected to generate about 70% of these jobs, with approximately 1.7 million positions in solar power alone. PHOTO/FSD AFRICA
By ENVIRONMENT CORRESPONDENT
newshub@eyewitness.africa
A new report suggests that a shift towards a greener economy could create millions of jobs in some of Africa‘s largest nations.
According to research by FSD Africa and the impact advisory firm Shortlist, the green economy could generate 3.3 million jobs across the continent by 2030.
The study, titled Forecasting Green Jobs in Africa, indicates that 60 percent of these positions will be skilled or white-collar roles, predominantly in the renewable energy sector.
These jobs are expected to contribute to the growth of the middle class in rapidly expanding sectors such as renewable energy, e-mobility, construction, and manufacturing.
The report focuses on five countries—Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa—which are projected to account for over 20% of the green jobs anticipated in the next six years.
Of the new jobs, about 10 percent will require university degrees, 30 percent will be specialized roles needing certification or vocational training, and 20 percent will be administrative. The remaining positions will be in unskilled labor, offering stability and potential for upward mobility.
Paul Breloff, CEO of Shortlist, emphasizes the significance of this report, stating, “This is the first public report to seriously consider the role of human capital and talent as both a critical input to green economic growth and a positive outcome in the form of millions of new direct jobs.”
The renewable energy sector is expected to generate about 70% of these jobs, with approximately 1.7 million positions in solar power alone. Countries like DRC and Ethiopia, with Africa’s largest and second largest hydropower potential – will see jobs in that sector. Additionally, agriculture is set to employ hundreds of thousands, with a significant portion focused on climate-smart technologies.
The researchers urge policymakers, funders, and educational institutions to invest in workforce training for green industries. Such investments could aid in the formalization of African economies and enhance social security and tax systems.
Breloff calls for increased efforts to meet the near-term demand for effective training, apprenticeships, and job/skill matching to realize Africa’s green potential.
“Policymakers and funders and workforce developers need to step up to meet this near-term demand with effective training, apprenticeships, and job/skill matching, in hopes of achieving Africa’s green promise,” said Breloff.
Africa’s young workforce and abundant renewable resources offer a chance to bypass carbon-intensive development paths. However, achieving this potential will require supportive policies, infrastructure, and substantial financial investments, estimated at over $100 billion annually.
The new jobs are expected to contribute to the growth of the middle class in rapidly expanding sectors. PHOTO/FILE
The continent currently attracts only 3% of global clean energy funding. The International Energy Agency and the African Development Bank suggest that investments must more than double to over $155 billion annually by 2030 to meet climate and energy access goals.
African countries have struggled to attract renewable energy investments due to investor perceptions of risk and concerns over commercial viability. The continent receives only 3% of global clean energy funding. To meet climate and energy access development goals, investments need to more than double to over £155bn a year by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the African Development Bank.
Kevin Munjal, Director of Development Impact at FSD Africa, highlights the importance of skill development in attracting investment.
“A strong skill base is crucial for de-risking investments and attracting funding. With sufficient finance, projects can be realized, creating even more jobs,” Munjal said.
Some countries, especially those with oil and gas reserves, continue to push back on calls for Africa, which accounts for less than 4% of global carbon emissions, to elevate carbon reduction goals over domestic priorities, such as fossil fuels for economic growth or domestic energy, when 600 million Africans do not have access to electricity.
Despite the potential, some countries with oil and gas reserves resist prioritizing carbon reduction over domestic energy
Munjal says that, while “there is need to think about a just transition”, green growth provides critical potential for jobs and economic growth.
Munjal acknowledges the need for a balanced approach but insists that green growth holds significant promise for job creation and economic advancement.
“Africa faces a demographic challenge with its rapidly growing, young workforce, and there is a crucial need to create jobs,” he says.
