At the ongoing COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy, Mr. Afam Ogene, called for accessible and equitable energy transition policies that empower youth, particularly in Africa. He emphasized the need for tax breaks and vocational grants to support the renewable energy sector in Nigeria and beyond.
Ogene, speaking at a side event co-hosted by the Committee and the Netherlands-based INCLUDE platform, advocated for the inclusion of youth and legislators in key discussions on climate change and energy policies. The event, titled “Driving the Just Transition: Labour-Based Incentives and Youth-Centric Policies for a Sustainable Future,” focused on fostering an inclusive transition to renewable energy in Africa.
Key speakers at the session included Ogene, Dr. Anika Altaf, Executive Director of INCLUDE, youth leader Farida Ally, nuclear scientist Solomon Abu, and Professor Nurgul Iliazova from Bishkek State University, Kazakhstan. Altaf suggested mentorship programs and international funding to help youth-led renewable energy projects thrive.
The session underscored Africa’s urgent need for job creation and energy access, highlighting the importance of localized solutions. It was stressed that youth should be at the forefront of these solutions, with policies designed to offer skill-based, meaningful employment in the renewable energy sector.
The panelists also discussed the importance of cross-sector collaboration, involving governments, educational institutions, and the private sector, to provide targeted technical and vocational training. They also urged that vulnerable communities not be left behind in the energy transition process.
In closing, participants called for turning discussions into actionable frameworks, including piloting labour-based incentives and integrating youth-focused priorities into national energy policies, with COP29 serving as a platform to amplify Africa’s voice in the global energy transition.
