Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA) showcased its dedication to empowering young innovators and climate champions by participating in two pivotal events: Tech Week 3.0, held from November 6–8, 2024, at University of Nairobi (UON) and the Clean Energy Week Conference, hosted by Multimedia University’s Renewable Energy Students Association (MURESA) in October.
Inspiring Change at Tech Week 3.0
At Tech Week 3.0, JLA’s Innovations Programme Managers, Louis Wajeiya and Kevin Okwako, took center stage to inspire the next generation of innovators. Addressing a dynamic audience of engineering students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs, Louis emphasized, “The youth hold the key to building solutions that tackle today’s energy challenges and shape a sustainable future.”
Kevin highlighted the critical role of engineering in driving green industrial revolution in Africa. He encouraged participants to embrace their potential, stating, “Through sustainable engineering, we can lead a new African industrial revolution that broadens access, empowers citizens, and remains environmentally conscious.”
The event culminated in an invitation to apply for JLA’s 2025 Powering Food Systems Innovation Challenge, an exciting initiative by greenlabs, the organization’s early-stage startup incubator. The hackathon-style competition calls on Africa’s boldest youth innovators to develop solutions addressing two of the continent’s most urgent challenges: sustainable food systems and energy access.
Key Details of the Challenge:
📅 Dates: January 6–24, 2025
🔗 Register Here: greenlabs.jacobsladder.africa/innovationchallenge
Participants will design renewable energy-powered solutions for transforming food systems, such as energy-efficient farming, sustainable processing, or waste reduction. Winners will receive pre-seed funding, mentorship, and essential resources to bring their ideas to life.
Clean Energy Week: Youth Leading the Charge
A month earlier, JLA joined the 2024 Clean Energy Week Conference, held from October 22–24 at Multimedia University. Under the theme “Youth Leading the Charge in Energy,” the event celebrated young leaders driving Africa’s clean energy revolution.
Louis Wajeiya delivered a keynote address and joined a panel discussion on “Access to Green Jobs for the Youth.” He was joined by Shivani Kotecha of Shortlist Futures, June Nyandwaki from Knights Energy, and moderator Brigitte Omondi, a global sustainability advocate.
Reflecting on the event, Louis shared, “The enthusiasm and ideas from these young leaders were truly inspiring. Our youth are poised to be the agents of change we need to achieve a sustainable energy future.”
Empowering Africa’s Next Generation
Both Tech Week 3.0 and Clean Energy Week underscored JLA’s commitment to fostering Africa’s future leaders in sustainability and innovation. Through initiatives like the Powering Food Systems Innovation Challenge, JLA continues to inspire and equip young Africans to tackle pressing global challenges, ensuring they are at the forefront of solutions that drive social, environmental, and economic progress.
