Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA) has been honored with “The Best Youth NDC Investment Initiative of the Year” at the African NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) Investment Awards 2024. Sellah Bogonko, Co-Founder and CEO of JLA, received the award on behalf of the organization during a ceremony held on Tuesday, September 24th, as part of Climate Week in New York.
Sponsored by the African Green Infrastructure Investment Bank (AfGIIB) and presented by the Africa Investor (Ai) Magazine, this accolade recognizes JLA’s excellence in advancing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through innovative approaches to mobilizing private climate capital and enhancing investment readiness.
Addressing Africa’s Climate Finance Gap
The award underscores the critical importance of JLA’s work in the context of Africa’s climate goals. With the continent requiring over $3 trillion by 2030 to meet its adaptation and mitigation targets, JLA’s focus on youth empowerment and workforce development is both timely and crucial.
Youth: A Catalyst for Green Economic Growth
This recognition highlights the pivotal role of African youth in driving both economic gains and environmental sustainability. Sub-Saharan Africa boasts the world’s youngest population, with 70% under the age of 30. By 2050, the region is projected to be home to 1 billion working-age individuals, representing 25% of the global workforce.
JLA’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment
In light of these demographic trends and the continent’s aspirations, JLA remains dedicated to empowering African youth. We are committed to:
- Improving the investment readiness of young Africans
- Enabling the youth to own and operate NDC-supporting projects and businesses
- Catalyzing the creation of 30 million jobs in the green economy by 2033
This award reaffirms JLA’s innovative approach to addressing climate challenges while creating sustainable economic opportunities for Africa’s burgeoning youth population.
The Rise of the African NDC Investment Awards
The African NDC Investment Awards have rapidly established themselves as a prestigious and influential recognition in the global climate action arena. These pioneering awards showcase Africa’s commitment to advancing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and driving sustainable development.
Key Milestones:
- Inception: Announced at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda.
- Inaugural Presentation: First awards ceremony was held at COP27 in Egypt, marking a significant moment for African climate initiatives on the global stage.
- Continental Showcase: Featured prominently during the successful Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, highlighting their importance to the continent’s climate agenda.
- Global Recognition: The second edition was presented at COP28 in Dubai, further cementing the awards’ international significance.
- Current Status: Now in their third year, these awards continue to grow in stature, recognizing and promoting excellence in NDC implementation across Africa.
As the first global awards focusing specifically on African NDC investments, they play a crucial role in spotlighting innovative climate solutions and attracting investment to the continent’s sustainable development efforts.
