YES! (Youth Energy Summit) 2024
Time is fast running out for countries to heed the United Nations' call to achieve Net Zero. In response, global efforts toward this goal are becoming increasingly urgent. Although Africa contributes the least to carbon emissions, it is disproportionately affected by climate change. This reality presents Africa with a unique opportunity to lead in new market approaches centred around clean energy, positioning the continent as a potential pioneer in the global energy transition.
Recognising this potential, the University of Cape Town’s Careers Service, as one of Africa’s leading Careers Services within Higher Education, proudly hosted the YES! (Youth Energy Summit) on 27th September 2024. The summit served as a platform for recruiters to highlight the diverse range of careers available in the energy sector, catalysing opportunities for the continent to seize leadership in this growing field.
Originally launched in Brussels in 2022, YES! aims to empower the next generation of energy leaders with the knowledge, networks, and connections needed to tackle the challenge of electrifying Africa. Leading companies in attendance included Red Rocket, Wartsila, Globeleq, Bowmans, Synergy Consulting, Scatec, Standard Bank, and South Africa’s IPP Office.
This is what some of the (over 200) students had to say about the event:
Awais Shah (BScEng in Chemical Engineering): “I am incredibly glad to have attended the YES! Summit on Friday. It was an amazing opportunity to network with professionals from the energy sector as well as a chance to learn more about the potential renewable energy has to change the world as we know it. I am grateful to UCT Career Service for providing such networking opportunities to students from all backgrounds and would strongly recommend all students to actively seek out and participate in all future events organised by UCT Career Service!”
Tanatswa Mukuyu (BScEng in Elec & Computer Eng): “It was great and really exciting to meet recruiters (in the energy sector) and get exposed to opportunities. It has been a truly unique experience.”>
Pierro Agossou (BSc in Geomatics): “The event overall is great and insightful. Having the opportunity to learn about various establishments and their contribution to the South African Energy Industry as well as the various opportunities does help in finding jobs, and how we as students fit in that sector.The event was well planned, and also engaging allowing for conversation between peers and employers and for that, I would like to thank UCT Careers Service and the companies present.”
Commenting on the day, Shiddika Mohamed, Group Director EnergyNet and CEO YES! said, “There is a massive disconnect in energy development. By 2035, more young people on the African continent will enter the workforce each year than in the rest of the world combined.
“At the same time, more than 50% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa still lacks access to reliable electricity. There is a huge need and potential for energy development.
“In Cape Town, we have met the most talented, proactive, intelligent young people ready to take up the opportunities in the energy sector and fill the energy gap!”
YES! On the Road will be in Nairobi on 11 October 2024, Lagos in November 2024, with more events in Togo and South Africa to come. Don’t miss the next YES! Youth Energy Summit in Cape Town on 18-20 June, 2025, alongside the Africa Energy Forum.