Signals from the green edge

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The SB62 climate talks in Bonn wrapped up last week, but not without frustration.
The negotiations kicked off with deep tensions around climate finance.

Industrialised countries once again failed to deliver on promises, especially on funding for climate adaptation.

Most notably, the U.S withdrew from the international climate process and skipped the Bonn talks entirely. For countries in the Global South, these shortfalls are a threat to real progress on the ground.

But despite this, the transition toward a greener future continues, driven increasingly by private sector investment and clean energy expansion. Private sector investment and expansion in clean energy and sustainability continues.

When companies secure new funding or move into new markets, it’s often a signal that green jobs will follow. Here are some of the most promising developments across the continent:

1. Egypt’s clean tech push
   Egypt has launched a national clean tech innovation initiative, backed by UNIDO and funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
   The programme aims to strengthen institutions, empower climate-smart startups, and attract private sector participation. Focus on supporting clean tech entrepreneurship is expected to drive green job creation across early-stage ventures, manufacturing, and policy roles.

2. Inter Ethiopia Solutions (IES) Expands
   IES is scaling its operations across Ethiopia and exploring expansion into other off-grid markets globally.
   It refurbishes used solar home systems and repurposes lithium-ion batteries to serve rural communities. The model supports roles in repair, logistics, tech, and community sales, while reducing e-waste. 

3. Ruzizi III hydropower plant (Rwanda–DRC–Burundi)
   A $760 million US-backed hydropower project on the Ruzizi River is moving ahead, aligned with peace-building talks in the Great Lakes region.
   The plant will improve energy access and grid stability in Rwanda, DRC, and Burundi. Infrastructure projects of this size typically generate hundreds of construction and engineering jobs, plus long-term roles in operations and grid management.

4. Malaikah Energy Group in Liberia
   Spanish firm Malaikah Energy is launching a 950 MW power project in Liberia, targeting regions with poor electricity access.
   The project aims to support Liberia’s energy transition, reduce carbon emissions, and fuel inclusive growth. If fully implemented, the initiative will create jobs in construction, installation, maintenance, and catalyse broader economic transformation.

5. Trina Solar eyes Morocco and beyond
   Chinese solar manufacturer Trina Solar is scaling operations in Morocco and eyeing pan-African expansion, citing favourable policies and rising demand.
   Morocco’s goal is to achieve 52% renewable energy in its mix by 2030. Opportunities likely to open up in solar installation, distribution, warehousing, and clean energy policy and support services.

6. NamPower’s 100 MW solar plant
   Namibia’s state utility NamPower has begun constructing the $90.3 million Sores|Gaib solar plant.
   Over 300 jobs will be created during construction. 25% of the EPC contract is allocated to local Namibian firms. Strong example of localised job creation in engineering, construction, and procurement.

7. Spiro secures $50M from Afreximbank
   Africa-based EV company Spiro signed a $50 million debt facility with Afreximbank to expand its green mobility network.
   Spiro already has 14,000+ e-bikes in five countries and is building battery-swap stations and local assembly capabilities. Expect hiring in technician roles, infrastructure development, logistics, and customer service as it scales operations.

While climate diplomacy might stall, Africa’s green jobs engine is still running.