The vital role of Africa's youth in shaping the continent's energy future

HANNAH CLEMENT | Monday September 22, 2025 08:52

Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its energy evolution, and it is essential that the continent's youth have a prominent voice at the table. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO

This young population possesses creativity and ambition but faces obstacles like insufficient job creation, leading to high rates of unemployment, particularly among young women.

The African Union's Youth Development outlook shares that with more than 400 million young people aged between 15 and 35, Africa has the youngest population in the world and calls for an increase of investment in economic and social development factors.

In parallel, Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its energy evolution, and it is essential that the continent's youth have a prominent voice at the table. Their perspective, innovation, and dynamism are critical to shaping policies and solutions that respond to the unique challenges and opportunities Africa faces.

Globally, the hydrogen sector is picking up serious momentum. More than 1,572 clean hydrogen projects are active worldwide, with $75billion committed to projects that have reached Final Investment Decision (FID). Total announced investments through 2030 now exceed $680 billion.

Africa, with Namibia, Egypt, Morocco, and Mauritania emerging as the continent's strategic hubs, is fast becoming a focal point of this revolution, with over 110 green hydrogen projects across the continent, according to the latest research findings from etasca (Energy

Transition and Sustainable Chemicals Advisory.

Speaking on his inclusion at last year's inaugural Summit, Nairobi-based Wilson Ngunjiri, who was a third-year student at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), advocated that 'I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Global Africa

Hydrogen Summit in Windhoek, Namibia. It was an experience that left me both inspired and excited for the future of green energy in Africa. The Summit was a melting pot of ideas, bringing together professionals from the hydrogen ecosystem— industry leaders, technologists, and investment bankers. I had the privilege of pitching my hydrogen project to two investment bankers who expressed great interest in supporting it, giving me a renewed sense of confidence and excitement.'

Damian Howard, Senior Vice President at dmg events, the organisers of the sequel edition of the Global African Hydrogen Summit, reflected that 'We are delighted to announce a new and highly impactful partnership that in addition to including the leaders of tomorrow across our existing programmes, will enable us to host a dedicated Youth Programme as part of this year's Summit.

The two-day Youth Programme conference is a critical forum that aims to provide 100 young industry leaders with a platform to shape the hydrogen and green industrialisation sectors across Africa and Namibia. The Youth Programme will provide the all-important voice at the table for the youth to contribute, empower and include them in the development of job creation, business opportunities and policy advocacy.

The partnership, for which we are grateful, comprises of the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL), the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGHP), the Namibia Youth Energy Forum (NYEF), the University of Namibia (UNAM), Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).'

By engaging youth in dialogue about the energy market and future development, there is an opportunity to harness their creativity and ambition, ensuring that the next generation leads with resilience and vision. Empowering young Africans today is an investment in a brighter, moree sustainable tomorrow for all. Their voices must not only be heard, but they must also drive change.