🌍 AfDB Funds Green Skills Programme to Combat Youth Unemployment in South Africa
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has committed a $1 million grant to the National Business Initiative (NBI) in South Africa to bolster green skills development and workforce readiness in the country’s transitioning energy economy.
The grant, delivered through AfDB’s Fund for African Private Sector Assistance (FAPA), is part of a broader mission to tackle South Africa’s persistent youth unemployment challenge—currently at a staggering 46.1% for ages 15–34, according to Statistics South Africa.
💡 Empowering Youth for the Green Economy
The funding will support the Just Energy Transition Skilling for Employment Programme (JET SEP), spearheaded by NBI in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group. The programme aims to align private sector efforts with South Africa’s JET Skilling Implementation Plan, a government-endorsed roadmap to inclusive and sustainable workforce development.
🎯 Phase One Focus:
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Conducting feasibility studies for skills development zones
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Strengthening capacity within the public technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system
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Designing scalable training hubs that anchor local economic growth during the energy transition
🤝 Public-Private Collaboration at the Core
Launched in 2024 and backed by the JET Project Management Unit under South Africa’s Presidency, JET SEP has received support from over 30 influential CEOs, civil society organizations, and public sector leaders.
“By linking a strong private sector coalition – the engine for job creation – with government, academia, and NGOs, the FAPA grant will play a catalytic role to support informed policy decisions… and create jobs for youth in South Africa’s green economy.”
— Kennedy Mbekeani, AfDB Director General, Southern Africa
📈 Building on Long-Term Investment in Energy
This latest grant builds upon the African Development Bank’s $3.4 billion investment in South Africa’s energy sector since 2007, including critical infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
The skills development programme is designed to:
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Identify priority skills for South Africa’s clean energy workforce
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Create pathways for employment in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
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Drive inclusive economic growth while reducing emissions
👩🏾🏭 Inclusive Growth Through Skills
“This grant is a critical step toward turning vision into action… We’re building a future-ready, inclusive workforce that ensures no one is left behind.”
— Shameela Soobramoney, CEO, National Business Initiative (NBI)
With practical training already underway—especially for young women and marginalized communities—the programme seeks to transform South Africa’s labour market, equipping youth with hands-on, demand-driven trade skills suited for a green and resilient future.
Source: https://www.businessghana.com
