Jean Pierre on telling Africa's sustainability stories

Jean Pierre, a freelance science writer with a strong passion for environmental reporting, particularly across the African continent. With a focus on issues like plastic pollution and the circular economy, Jean brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective to stories that truly matter.

Q: What motivated you to cover environmental issues, particularly in Africa?
I’ve always been passionate about environmental issues, stories about how people and nature interact, and the impact we’re having on our surroundings. That passion is really what pulled me into this space.

Q: What do you see as the biggest challenge Africa faces in transitioning to sustainable solutions?
I’d say one of the biggest challenges is the competing interests between sustainability goals and business priorities. Governments across Africa may commit to eco-friendly policies, but these often clash with corporate interests. A good example is the push to ban single-use plastics, on one side, it’s an important environmental step, on the other, it affects businesses that rely on producing those plastics. That tension makes real change difficult.

Q: Can you share a story you really enjoyed covering?
Yes. There was a story I did on plastic pollutionthat I’m really proud of. It was a meaningful piece for me, and what made it even more special is that it actually won an award. That kind of recognition really stays with you. It’s definitely one of my favorite stories so far.

🔎 Silent signals – Who might be hiring soon

As companies announce major funding or expansion plans, it’s a good indicator that new job opportunities could be on the way. Stay ahead by keeping an eye on their growth and tracking job postings as they scale.

• The African Development Fund has approved $43.6 million for a 120 MW transmission line project in Mozambique—likely creating opportunities in energy and infrastructure.

• GAC Group is expanding local vehicle assembly in Egypt as Chinese automakers target African markets, signaling potential hiring in manufacturing and automotive sectors.

• Huajian Group is pivoting to electric vehicle assembly in Ethiopia, setting up a new EV plant near Addis Ababa with plans to start assembly next year.

• With over 2,800 Chinese firms investing more than $8 billion in Egypt, business growth suggests ongoing recruitment across various industries.