1.🚁 Heli view: How the climate sector can fulfil its jobs promise 

At the opening of last year's Africa Climate Summit, many heads of state praised their biggest asset: “Our young people”. 

• What many said more quietly -- public support for turning forests into carbon sinks rather than development zones depends on creating green jobs for those young people. 

So we asked experts: How many green jobs will there be? No comprehensive study to "size, situate and catalyse green livelihoods” exists, so well-connected insiders tell us. 

• Apparently nobody has a detailed answer to perhaps the key question in Africa's green economy.

What we do know: Last year, UNEP published a top-down Africa report that suggested, "Restoring nature can unlock a business value of $10 trillion and create 395 million jobs by 2030."

• But while the report mentions jobs, its focus is on GDP growth. 

• There is no detailed breakdown of employment potential.  

Measuring by sector: We’ve collected published sources (and some unpublished ones) to aggregate jobs forecasts for the main sectors in the green economy (likely a first).

Carbon markets: Included here are nature-based solutions, conservation and biodiversity. 

• The Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI) envisages 30 million jobs by 2030. 

Renewable energy: Including solar, hydro, wind, geothermal, mini grids and battery storage. 

• Sustainable Energy for All, an NGO, forecasts up to 14m jobs by 2030.

Electric vehicles: No numbers for the whole continent, but forerider South Africa may see an employment boost of 650,000, according to a report last month. 

Green industrialisation: This includes minerals, hydrogen and construction.

• Local smelting (instead of exporting) of bauxite could create 280,000 jobs, and 215,000 jobs from iron ore, according to Cap-A. 

• Green hydrogen may create up to 4.2 million jobs by 2050, says an industry body.

Waste management: Including the circular economy, UNICEF targets 1 million jobs by 2030.

Significant challenges: The funding of ventures that could create 50m new jobs is hard enough. But even more remains to be done in preparation for such employment growth.

Skills needed: Most employer surveys say quality education and training are a stepping stone. 

• Focusing on female talent is a potential shortcut. Women hold only 25% of leadership roles and 26% of middle and lower management roles in African renewables.

Showing awareness: Understanding what the green economy is and why it offers opportunities is key, say search firms. 

• Find relevant communication channels and job boards.

Barriers to entry: If you feel that climate-related companies appear insular or closed to outsiders and job-changers, we hope you keep reading this! 

2. Guide to climate job boards

Finding a job in the dynamic green energy sector across Africa is streamlined with specialised job boards. These platforms focus on the latest job listings, keeping you updated on new openings to advance your career in renewable energy.

• Africa Solar Industry Association: Discover career opportunities in the solar industry on AFSIA's job board.

• Africa Clean Energy: Browse a variety of job listings in clean energy on African Clean Energy's job portal.

• Shortlist: Customise your job search for renewable energy roles across Africa with Shortlist's job search tool.

• Green Recruitment Company: Explore renewable energy job openings throughout Africa on the Green Recruitment Company's website.

3. New hire Q&A: “The opportunity seems bigger”

John Lambu, 25, tells us about the finance role at Vroom EV in Ethiopia he started this quarter

Q: Have you always wanted to work at a mobility company? A: Ah, no. I think I love it. But if you’d told me a year ago I’d be doing this I would not believe it. 

Q: So what are you doing now? A: I trained as an accountant at campus and will be supporting the finance team at Vrroom, including on tax and fundraising.

Q: How different is that from working at an old-school business? A: The vibe is different. It’s great. And the opportunity seems bigger. But the methods are the same.

Q: And have you got your own EV yet? A: I’ve already become a believer, and I hope to get a discount on my first vehicle. 

4. Silent signals: Who is likely to hire now

The green energy sector in Africa is booming, creating numerous job opportunities. Notable projects signaling potential hiring include:

• Rift Valley Energy: Secured $15 million from BII to build 7.6 MW wind and hydroelectric power projects in Tanzania.

• AMEA Power: Developing a 100 MW solar plant in Congo, indicating a need for skilled professionals in construction and operation.

• Koruson 1 Project: The largest wind farm in Africa (420 MW) with 78 turbines in South Africa, developed by EDF Renewables.

• Kalahari GeoEnergy: Advancing the Bweengwa geothermal project in Zambia, scaling to 12 MW by 2030.

5 . Unpack this job ad: Infra manager at BasiGo 

Job ads are like profiles on dating apps. Key things are often left unsaid… unless you understand the secret code. Let’s have a look here.

BasiGo, an electric bus company, is looking for a manager to work on charging infrastructure. 

• “You might like this job if” = This is not how most companies frame jobs. Should be a good sign. Personality and innovation are welcome.

• “Roll up your sleeves and get it done attitude toward projects” = Don’t count on attending lots of meetings in the boardroom. This is a role for doers.

• “BS in Electrical, Civil or Mechanical Engineering or related field (required)” = When a company says an engineering degree is required, it really is. Don’t apply without one. 

6. Advice from a hiring professional 

Brenda Muriuki has been an independent recruiter and talent adviser since 2019.