Africa’s green projects to watch

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Welcome to Green Jobs Rising!

In April, several projects were commissioned across the climate sector on the continent.

Some projects are already under construction, which means hiring for the initial phase is largely complete. However, you should look out for long-term roles once these projects are up and running.

But there are also projects that are newly announced or expanding, meaning they are still moving from planning into early implementation. 

As construction begins, these are likely to create fresh opportunities across different roles. 

Here are the projects already:

• Sibanye-Stillwater renewable energy expansion - The mining company is growing its clean energy portfolio to 765 MW, including a new 138 MW power purchase agreement, to reduce reliance on grid electricity and cut emissions.

• Malaba border solar project (Kenya–Uganda) - The Kenya Revenue Authority has installed solar power systems at the Malaba One-Stop Border Post to lower electricity costs and improve energy reliability.

• Waste-to-energy project in Johannesburg - The city is investing R93 million to convert municipal waste into electricity, helping reduce landfill use while generating power.

• Seagrass conservation across Africa - The International Union for Conservation of Nature has launched locally led projects in multiple coastal countries to protect and restore seagrass ecosystems and support coastal communities.

• Regreening Africa Phase II - A new phase of the programme aims to restore degraded land, improve soil health, and strengthen climate resilience across several African countries.

• Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant (Tanzania) - A major hydropower project that significantly boosts Tanzania’s electricity generation capacity using renewable energy from the Rufiji River.

• B2Gold solar expansion (Mali) - The company is expanding its on-site solar plant to 52 MW, reducing diesel use at its mining operations.

There are projects that have already been commissioned or are near completion, so most construction hiring has happened. 

However, they will continue to generate long-term roles in operations, maintenance, and system management as they run over the coming years. 

Here are the commissioned projects:

• Omburu battery project (Namibia) - A 54 MW battery energy storage system designed to stabilise the national grid and reduce dependence on electricity imports.

• Bolobedu solar farm by Voltalia (South Africa) - A 148 MW solar power plant supplying renewable electricity to the grid.

• Tunisia’s four solar plants - A set of newly launched solar facilities aimed at increasing the country’s renewable energy share.

• Algeria’s 400 MW solar rollout - A large-scale programme commissioning multiple solar plants to expand national clean energy capacity.

• Doornhoek solar plant (South Africa) - A 120 MW solar facility contributing to the country’s renewable energy supply.

• Industrial solar projects (South Africa & Egypt) - Companies like PPC and Beni Suef Cement are installing solar plants to power their operations with cleaner energy.

• Kakobola hydropower plant (DR Congo) - A hydropower project increasing electricity access in underserved regions.

• Hex battery storage system (South Africa) - A large-scale battery project supported by the African Development Bank to improve grid reliability.

• South Africa Solar project (75 MW) – A large solar plant by Pele Energy Group and ENGIE supplying clean power to the grid.

• Somaliland Solar Project (5 MW, Berbera) – A solar plant in Berbera reducing reliance on diesel and improving local electricity supply.

• Tanzania Power project (50 MW, Kishapu) – The country’s first utility-scale solar project in Kishapu, diversifying its energy mix.

• Zambia Solar project (50 MW, Mansa) – A grid-connected solar plant in Mansa boosting power supply and reliability.

• Ghana Solar project (5 MW, Black Volta) – A floating solar project on the Black Volta, generating power without using land.

• Côte d’Ivoire Solar project (Ferkessédougou) – A planned solar plant in Ferkessédougou developed through a public-private partnership.

With a strong focus on renewables across the listings, here are a few roles that standout in solar energy projects worth exploring as you position yourself in the sector.