African government leaders voiced their strong support for youth leadership in shaping a sustainable future for the continent during the UN climate summit in Dubai on Thursday. This commitment was made at the launch of a new initiative by the Green Energy Mission Africa (GEMA) non-profit organization, aiming to inspire Africa’s youth to actively participate in the clean energy transition.
The YouthVoltAfrica initiative, unveiled at COP28, aims to equip young Africans with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to address energy poverty while promoting renewable energy ambitions. Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Development, Jamila Bio Ibrahim, emphasized the crucial role of youth inclusion in the climate agenda.
“The launch of the YouthVoltAfrica project marks a significant milestone in our commitment to empowering African youth,” she stated. “The involvement of youth in the transition agenda is paramount.”
Dr. Salisu Dahiru, Director General of the National Climate Change Council in Nigeria, aligned the country’s goals with the imperative for youth to lead sustainability planning. He emphasized the need for innovative efforts to address climate change and highlighted the project’s role in empowering youth to contribute actively to sustainable development.
The YouthVoltAfrica project’s launch coincided with UNFCCC COP28, providing a platform for discussions on climate change challenges and solutions. Green Energy Mission Africa aims to leverage global collaboration and expertise to foster partnerships and drive substantial progress in advancing the energy transition agenda in Africa.
Abubakar Shuaibu, Founder and CEO of Green Energy Mission Africa, expressed optimism about the project’s transformative potential, stating, “This project is not just about addressing energy poverty; it is about igniting a spark of innovation, resilience, and leadership in our youth.”
The initiative intends to lay the foundation for a sustainable Africa, where the younger generation plays a pivotal role in shaping a greener and more prosperous future. Shuaibu called for collective efforts on this journey of change, where the energy transition becomes a catalyst for empowerment and sustainable development.
