By: Paul Breloff, Co-founder and CEO of Shortlist, an executive search and talent technology company and Kevin Munjal, Director, Development Impact (DI), FSD Africa
The recent civil unrest in parts of Africa, combined with the ongoing issue of youth employment, have highlighted the need for new ways to address these twin challenges. Although contributing only 3% of the world’s carbon emissions, Africa is among the regions most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Addressing this existential risk is no longer optional. But ironically it also brings with it an unprecedented opportunity for a continent whose young population needs quality, stable employment – and fast.
With abundant natural resources, immense renewable energy potential, and the world’s fastest-growing workforce, the continent has the potential to make a significant impact on global decarbonization. This isn’t just about saving the planet – it’s about creating jobs and driving economic growth across the continent through accelerated development and more formalized economies.
According to research by Shortlist, FSD Africa and the Boston Consulting Group, the first in-depth analysis of workforce needs within green industries in Africa, the continent could see more than 3 million new direct green jobs by 2030. Of the 12 sub-sectors analysed, solar energy alone could generate up to 1.7 million jobs by 2030. That’s because solar projects are labor-intensive and relatively quick to deploy. Agriculture and nature sectors could add another 700,000 jobs, thanks to innovations like climate-smart agriculture technologies and nature-based solutions.
Near term job creation will be driven by the expansion of clean energy, but longer-term job creation will build on this in a range of transforming industries across agriculture, recycling, e-mobility, and more. In fact, some experts have suggested that if you include indirect jobs as well the total number could reach 100 million by 2050. Imagine the impact this could have on formalizing local communities and economies.
Now, here’s the catch: we need the right human capital to make this happen. A skilled workforce is both the engine and the outcome of green growth. Indeed, our research suggests 60% of the employment generated by the green economy by 2030 will be skilled or white-collar jobs which tend to attract higher salaries and will, therefore, play a central role in spurring the growth of the middle class in countries hosting these high-growth sectors.
But this workforce will not appear overnight. To build it, we’ll need a shared, detailed understanding of the labor demand in the green economy. Policymakers, educators, and investors need reliable data and forecasts to make informed decisions. This is where reports like “Forecasting Green Jobs in Africa” come in. They provide a roadmap, highlighting key sectors and strategies for job creation.
First things first: we need to invest in education and training. This isn’t just about fancy degrees; it’s about practical skills that match the demands of green jobs. Think vocational training, on-the-job learning, and continuous professional development. It’s about giving people the tools they need to thrive in the green economy.
Next, we need to understand the labor market, building on this initial research. What specific skills and job types will be in demand? Where are the emerging labor supply/demand gaps? What are the fastest and lowest cost ways to prepare young people for these emerging opportunities? Detailed studies in key countries and sectors can help us figure this out. This way, we can tailor our training programs to meet the actual needs of the market.
No one can do this alone. Governments, the private sector, educational institutions, and investors all need to work together. We need comprehensive support policies, public-private partnerships, and targeted investments in high-potential sectors. It’s about creating a supportive ecosystem for green job growth.
Finally, let’s talk about on-the-job training. This is where the rubber meets the road. Apprenticeships, internships, and hands-on learning opportunities are crucial. They provide real-world experience and help workers adapt to the evolving demands of the green economy.
So, what’s next? We need partners: money and expertise to extend this initial research; workforce enablers to train, prep, and place talent into roles; partnerships to ensure the capital, policy, and infrastructure stars align to maximize positive potential.
If we get this right, we can unlock Africa’s green potential, make a dent in global carbon emissions, expand energy access to tens of millions, and create millions of high-quality jobs.
It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.