The inaugural Green Youth Indaba, which took place last month, brought together scores of South African youth, as well as green industry professionals, experts and government departments to address green economy opportunities and sustainable development.
It was hosted at the Innovation Hub science and technology park, in Pretoria, Gauteng, under the theme ‘Advancing youth interest in green economy and sustainable development’.
One of the Green Youth Indaba organisers, Calvin Themba Makhubela, stated at the indaba that a green economy was the future economy of Africa, adding that it was, therefore, important to engage with the youth.
“The indaba invited key stakeholders and those youth interested in a green economy to interact. It was also an opportunity to engage with the key decision-makers in renewable energy,” he said.
Innovation Hub CEO McLean Sibanda stated that there was no better time than the present for the youth to take advantage of the opportunities available to them in the green industry. The unemployment rate among the youth was high – at 36% – he noted.
“There is also a need to anticipate the water and energy demand, and waste management issues of the future. We appeal to entrepreneurs to take a look at value creation in the green economy and how to best extract value and lead the economy. There are almost one-million jobs that can be provided by the green economy,” he stated.
South Africa had clear policy frameworks for a green economy, including the National Development Plan, the Industrial Policy Action Plan, the National Climate Change Response White Paper and the New Growth Path.
Further, the fourth round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme would soon open and create high demand for skills in construction.
Sibanda noted that the Innovation Hub had realised that there was an opportunity and a need to design programmes that addressed the needs of a green economy, such as its Climate Innovation Centre, which provided financial support, such as small grants for entrepreneurs and nonfinancial support such as business advice and support.
The Climate Innovation Centre provides assistance in terms of policy direction for entrepreneurs who struggle with regulatory constraints. Currently, there are more than 20 entrepreneurs enjoying the benefits of the Climate Innovation Centre.
The Innovation Hub has formed partnerships with the Department of Science and Technology’s initiative, the Technology Innovation Agency, and has engaged the Development Bank of Southern Africa to provide funding for programmes and projects.