As world leaders gathered for the UN General Assembly, Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA) in partnership with Columbia Climate School, collaborated to host a side event on Tuesday 24th September 2024, at Barnard College, Columbia University, New York, during Climate Week.
The event dubbed, “Climate and Leadership: Green Jobs for Africa” sought to enumerate the vital role leadership plays in unlocking the potential of green jobs in Africa, addressing the twin challenges of climate change and youth unemployment in one bold stroke.
The centerpiece of the evening was an engaging panel discussion, moderated by Sellah Bogonko, Co-Founder and CEO of Jacob’s Ladder Africa. The distinguished panel featured:
- Ifeoma Malo, ACAP Ambassador and Founder and CEO of Clean Technology Hub
- Dr. Lisa Dale, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Rwanda and Director of the MA in Climate & Society at Columbia Climate School
- Dr. Harry Verhoeven, Convenor of the Oxford University China-Africa Network
- Eva Yazhari, General Partner at Beyond Capital Ventures
- Hubert Ruzibiza, ACAP Ambassador and Senior Climate Finance Advisor at the African Green Infrastructure Investment Bank (AfGIIB)
- Mugure Njendu, ACAP Ambassador and Africa Programs Lead at the Global Buildings Performance Network (GBPN)
Case study presentations were also made by ACAP Ambassador Oluseun Onigbinde, Global Director, BudgIT and Ambassador Jackline Okeyo, Founder and CEO, Mzansi Clean Energy Capital.
The discussions centered on leadership from different perspectives such as green building and decarbonisation, women’s voices and gender-responsive climate finance, international cooperation on green development, the role of universities in cultivating skills and cross-cultural opportunities, the role of technology in creating new green job opportunities and strategies for attracting more investment into the green economy.
The numbers are staggering in a world grappling with climate change: one-third of Africa’s 420 million youth aged 15-35 are unemployed. But where others see a crisis, Jacob’s Ladder Africa sees an opportunity. “The youth are a vital vehicle for enhancing Africa’s future,” declared Sellah Bogonko, Co-Founder and CEO of Jacob’s Ladder Africa. “We need to ensure that they have the requisite skills to take advantage of opportunities in the green economy.”
The gathering was a melting pot of ideas and influence. Government officials rubbed shoulders with private sector leaders, while civil society representatives shared insights with students from Columbia Climate School. Together, they explored innovative strategies to scale up green jobs across the continent.
This event wasn’t just about creating jobs but also about reshaping the narrative around climate change in Africa. “We’re creating an opportunity narrative,” Sellah explained. “Climate change isn’t just a threat – it’s a chance to build a more sustainable, equitable future for all Africans,” she reiterated.
The ambition is breathtaking. Jacob’s Ladder Africa aims to catalyze 30 million green jobs in the continent by 2033. It’s a goal that would not only transform the employment landscape but also position Africa at the forefront of the global fight against climate change.
As the event concluded, one thing became clear: the green economy isn’t just a far-off dream. It’s a tangible, growing reality, offering a lifeline to millions of young Africans. With organizations like Jacob’s Ladder Africa leading the charge, and prestigious institutions like Columbia Climate School lending their expertise, that future is closer than ever.
In the face of daunting global challenges, this convening stood as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering hope. For Africa’s youth, the message is clear: the future is green, and it’s brimming with opportunity.
