- Hon. Victor Afam Ogene urged more inclusive, youth-focused policies to accelerate Africa’s renewable energy transition at COP29.
- Speakers emphasized the importance of mentorship, grants, and international partnerships to support youth-led renewable energy initiatives in Africa.
At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, called for more accessible and equitable policies to support Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy. At a side event co-hosted by the Committee on Renewable Energy and INCLUDE, a Netherlands-based knowledge platform, Ogene highlighted the importance of empowering youth and integrating them into policy discussions surrounding climate change and energy transitions.
The event, “Driving the Just Transition: Labor-Based Incentives and Youth-Centric Policies for a Sustainable Future,” focused on ensuring that Africa’s renewable energy transition is fair, inclusive, and designed to benefit the continent’s most vulnerable populations. Ogene emphasized the need for tax breaks and vocational grants that could equip young people with the skills to thrive in the renewable energy sector.
Executive Director of Include, Anika Altaf, also shared insights on better supporting youth-led renewable energy initiatives. She stressed the importance of mentorship programs, financial incentives such as startup grants, and skills acquisition subsidies. Altaf emphasized the need for transparency in policy design to ensure equitable access to opportunities, particularly for young entrepreneurs and communities in energy-poor regions.
The discussions underscored Africa’s distinct position in the global energy transition. While the continent contributes less than 4% of global emissions, its energy poverty remains a significant challenge. Speakers called for strategies that focus on creating jobs, improving energy access, and implementing localized solutions tailored to the unique needs of African communities.
Technology was highlighted as a critical enabler in Africa’s renewable energy future. Young innovators across the continent are developing scalable energy solutions that cater to the specific needs of their communities. Early exposure to technology, such as coding education for children as young as eight, was identified as a critical step in fostering the next generation of leaders in renewable energy innovation.
One of the most significant outcomes of the event was the consensus on the need for greater youth inclusion in decision-making processes related to climate policy. Hon. Ogene and Altaf both called for youth to be included as advisors and active participants in shaping policy at the national and international levels. Participants agreed that standardized toolkits, training programs, and partnerships between governments, educational institutions, and the private sector are crucial for equipping young people with the skills and resources necessary to lead in the renewable energy sector.
Global Partnerships and Actionable Frameworks
The event also emphasized the importance of international collaboration in supporting youth-led renewable energy projects. Partnerships with international organizations could provide mentorship, funding, and platforms for grassroots initiatives to thrive. As part of the conclusion, the event participants agreed to develop actionable frameworks to integrate labour-based incentives and youth-focused priorities into national renewable energy policies. They also called for more outstanding advocacy at global forums like COP to ensure that Africa’s interests are front and centre in the global energy transition agenda.
As COP29 continues, the call for youth-centric, equitable, and sustainable policies remains strong. The event highlighted the transformative potential of youth-led solutions and the critical role young people will play in driving Africa’s renewable energy transition. With strong international support and a focus on inclusive policymaking, the future of Africa’s energy sector looks promising, with opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.