What Africa’s green transition means for your career

Happy Monday! As the continent accelerates toward a sustainable future, we’re here to help you understand how these changes impact you. Stay informed and explore what this shift means for your work.

Uber is shifting to EVs

Welcome to Green Jobs Rising – Africa is stepping into a new era of electric transport, and with it comes a wave of green job opportunities. Ride-hailing apps are changing alongside this – setting the stage for greater mobility.

Take Uber. It’s betting big on electric vehicles (EVs) and a greener future. By 2027, Uber aims for 10–15% of its vehicles worldwide to run on batteries and plans for 100% of its rides and deliveries to be zero-emission by 2040.

Partnerships are driving this forward. Uber is teaming up with Chinese EV giant BYD to deploy 100,000 EVs globally. The rollout starts with 200 EVs in South Africa, signalling Africa’s growing role in the e-mobility revolution.

Why does this matter? Because it’s not just about sustainability – it’s about jobs. EV manufacturing, charging infrastructure, renewable energy, and support services are creating a wealth of career opportunities and economic growth. Think beyond engineers. This green transition will need infrastructure developers, technicians, marketers, drivers, and more.

Africa is at the start of something big. Stay ahead by exploring the skills and sectors that will shape this exciting future.

Today’s reading time: 2 mins

LOGISTICS UPDATE | Monday, 3 February

Courses…

📖 Green Manufacturing Executive Short Course by TWIMS

This course delves into critical issues surrounding the green economy and their significance to the manufacturing sector. It is designed for executives aiming to integrate sustainable practices into their operations.

📖 Circular Economy in South Africa by UN CCeLearn

A self-paced, 2-hour online course exploring circular economy principles within the South African context. Certification is provided upon completion.

📖 Short Learning Programme in Risks & Socio-Environmental Sustainability by University of Johannesburg

This program addresses the demand for environmental skills, focusing on socio-environmental sustainability and risk management. It aligns with South Africa's Industrial Policy Action Plan, emphasizing the green economy as a priority area.

Events…

📆 Africa’s Green Economy Summit 2025

Scheduled for 19–21 February 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, this summit connects global investors, project owners, and business leaders with African governments and policymakers to drive an inclusive green economy across the continent.

The 2025 theme is "Building a Climate Resilient Africa: Catalyzing Investment and Innovation in the Green and Blue Economies."

Silent signals: Who is likely to hire now

The rapid expansion of the African EV industry indicates that several companies are likely to be hiring soon due to recent significant developments in funding or expansion. 

Companies to watch include:

  • MOPO has secured $7 million (£5.6 million) financing from British International Investment (BII) to expand its services in Africa. 

  • SAIC Motors relaunches MG brand in South Africa, with intentions of expanding from 30 to 60 dealerships by the end of 2025.

The shift to electric mobility is not just a sustainability milestone—it’s an economic opportunity. As companies like MOPO and SAIC Motors scale up their operations in Africa, they’re paving the way for job creation across multiple sectors, from EV manufacturing and infrastructure to sales and service. Whether you're a technician, marketer, or project manager, now is the time to align your skills with the growing green economy. The future of work is evolving—are you ready to be part of it?

Great week Ahead!

Opportunities don't happen. You create them. 

Chris Grosser