UNDP Careers’ Post

In my two years of working in the #energytransition, I've come to firmly believe that renewable energy is the key to Africa's future. By 2050, our continent is expected to be home to 2.5 billion people, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions.   The lack of access to energy and widespread energy poverty is significantly impacting people's lives and hampering overall development. Shifting our focus towards renewable energy is pivotal not only in addressing this challenge but also in creating jobs and strengthening local supply chains.   In countries like #Nigeria, embracing renewable energy could result in a substantial increase in job opportunities, potentially generating 3 times more jobs compared to the fossil fuel industry. Prioritizing renewables is essential to drive economic growth and provide employment prospects, particularly for our youth.   I read that investing in Africa's renewable energy sources could lead to a 6.4% higher GDP and an impressive 25.4% higher welfare index by 2050. However, it's disheartening to note that Africa has received only 2% of global investments in renewable energy, despite being home to about 20% of humanity.   We urgently need to mobilize more investments into Africa's energy transition to pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future. #africa #investment #energyaccess #renewableenergy #cleanenergy #climateaction #youthemployment

A thought has occupied my mind for a little while now. It’s beneficial to embrace new technologies in closing gaps in energy access but what do we do with our oil in Africa? How does this continue to serve as a revenue generation as we grapple with the issue of climate change because participating in responsible climate actions is not an obligation we should ignore. Though not exhaustive, I did a little research and will like to share a few things we can do: 1. Maximize value capture: African governments should seek to capture the full value of resource rents from oil and gas extraction. This can be achieved by implementing clear, consistent, and stable fiscal policies that attract investment and are robust to changing conditions. Currently, the value of resource rents in Africa is estimated to be 2.6 times the level of government revenues captured, indicating significant untapped potential for economic growth. By capturing these rents, we can generate additional revenue to invest in clean energy infrastructure and initiatives. 2. Promote regional integration: The implementation of a continental free trade area in Africa can unlock the potential for mineral value addition and beneficiation. By promoting regional integration, we can increase sectoral productivity and the overall value of exports. This can be achieved by developing regional value chains that encompass the manufacturing of intermediate inputs, the extraction of minerals, and the processing phase. Regional integration can also facilitate the sharing of resources and expertise, leading to more efficient and sustainable use of oil resources. 3. Improve energy access: We face a significant challenge in meeting our universal, high-quality energy access goals. By tapping into our energy resources, including oil, we can accelerate progress towards energy access. This can be achieved by developing diverse energy sources, including renewable energy, and leveraging investments in regional infrastructure. The scale-up of green energy investments can not only improve energy access but also alleviate rural poverty and promote productivity gains. 4. Utilize natural gas as a transition fuel: We can prioritize inward investments in newly discovered and underdeveloped natural gas reserves. Exploiting natural gas reserves can mobilize export revenues and spur domestic energy production and access. We should support both exports and domestic consumption. Natural gas can be deployed alongside renewable energy technologies as a transition fuel, contributing to climate change goals.   By implementing these strategies, we can optimize our oil resources for economic prosperity while simultaneously working towards our climate change goals and clean energy adoption. These approaches can help us balance our economic development with sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. #climatechange #cleanenergytransition #energyaccess #livableplanet #economicprosperity #africa

⚡ I'm proud to share a phenomenal achievement made by our team! We've managed to exceed our connections goal - providing energy access to more than 3 million homes and businesses in Southern Africa! 💡🏠🌞   Since its inception in 2017, the USAID-funded Southern Africa Energy Program (SAEP), implemented by Deloitte Consulting LLP, has increased electricity access throughout the region through technical assistance to utilities and the off-grid private sector. As USAID’s flagship implementing mechanism for Power Africa in Southern Africa, SAEP has advanced over 750 activities in 10 countries and contributed to Power Africa’s goal to connect 60 million new homes and businesses to power by 2030.   For families with children studying at night or entrepreneurs trying to expand a business successfully, electricity access makes a world of difference. We’re proud to have played a role in extending electricity and its economic, health, and educational benefits to underserved communities throughout Southern Africa. #EnergyAccess #Electricity #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #MiniGrid #HydroPower #Angola #Botswana #Eswatini #Lesotho #Madagascar #Malawi #Mozambique #Namibia #SouthAfrica #Zambia #SDG7

🌿 Natural Resources Insights 🌍 Exploring opportunities in Africa's natural resources sector? Here's a glimpse into what awaits: 💎 Emerging Opportunities: Africa boasts abundant natural resources, from minerals and oil to renewable energy sources. This presents exciting opportunities in resource exploration, extraction, processing, and environmental management. With growing global demand for sustainable resources, there's immense potential for growth and innovation in this sector. 🔍 Challenges: However, the sector faces challenges such as resource governance issues, environmental concerns, volatile commodity prices, and community relations. Overcoming these challenges requires responsible resource management practices, effective stakeholder engagement, and adherence to regulatory frameworks. 📈 Best Practices for Career Advancement: Looking to advance your career in natural resources? Focus on gaining technical expertise in resource management, environmental sustainability, regulatory compliance, and community engagement. Networking within the industry and staying informed about market trends and geopolitical developments will help you stay ahead in your career. Embrace continuous learning and adaptability to thrive in this dynamic sector. Ready to make a positive impact in Africa's natural resources sector? Let's harness the potential together! 🌍💎 #NaturalResources #CareerGrowth #AfricaOpportunities #IndustryInsights #YoungProfessionals

100 Million People in Eastern and Southern Africa Poised to Receive Access to Sustainable and Clean Energy by 2030, a project of The World Bank Guermazi, World Bank Director of Regional Integration for Africa and the Middle East. The second pillar will contribute to expanding grid electrification through investment and technical assistance on grid densification and expansion; grid connections, reinforcement and upgrading; and variable renewable energy (VRE) integration investments. It will also strengthen energy utilities, including building capacity of management and monitoring systems, increasing digitization, revenue protection programs, and other improvements needed to deliver fast-paced electrification. The third pillar will finance investments in scaling distributed renewables (DREs) and clean cooking to expand energy access for households, enterprises, farmers, schools, health clinics, and other institutions, including through financial intermediary financing. The program will start in four countries (Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Somalia and Tanzania) and will expand to up to 20 countries in the region over the next seven years. These four countries were selected as ASCENT champions, representative of the energy access stages and contexts found in the region, thereby providing both inspiration and lessons for countries facing similar conditions. *The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world’s 74 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa. Resources from IDA bring positive change to the 1.3 billion people who live in IDA countries. Since 1960, IDA has provided $458 billion to 114 countries. Annual commitments have averaged about $29 billion over the last three years (FY19-FY21), with about 70 percent going to Africa. Learn more online: IDA.worldbank.org. #IDAworks

🌍 Bright Light: illuminating the path to economic recovery in South Africa 🌍 Important insights from Statistics South Africa shed light on the economic landscape of our nation, revealing both challenges and opportunities on the horizon. According to recent data, South Africa's unemployment rate has decreased to 34.9%, marking a step in the right direction towards economic recovery. https://ow.ly/Xn1R50S3Lkp At Bright Light, we recognise the crucial role that sustainable energy solutions play in driving economic growth and creating jobs. Here's how we're making a positive impact on South Africa's journey towards prosperity: 🔹Job creation: As pioneers in the solar industry, we're not just in the business of generating electricity – we're also in the business of creating jobs. From solar panel manufacturing to installation and maintenance, our projects create employment opportunities and stimulate local economies, contributing to a reduction in unemployment rates. 🔹Fostering economic resilience: The transition to clean, renewable energy sources like solar power is essential for building economic resilience in South Africa. By reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and investing in domestic renewable energy infrastructure, we're strengthening our energy security and laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth. 🔹Promoting local development: Bright Light is committed to empowering local communities and driving inclusive development across South Africa. Through community engagement initiatives and partnerships with local businesses, we're ensuring that the benefits of solar energy reach every corner of the country. 🔹Supporting government objectives: Our work aligns closely with the objectives outlined by the South African government to promote renewable energy, create green jobs, and achieve sustainable development. By collaborating with stakeholders, we're driving progress towards a more prosperous and equitable future for all South Africans. As we navigate the road to economic recovery, let's harness the power of solar energy to create brighter, more sustainable communities. ☀️🌱 #EconomicRecovery #SolarEnergy #BrightLight

Investing in the climate sector in Africa has the potential to create many new jobs and stimulate economic growth. The African Development Bank estimates that Africa needs to invest around $50 billion per year in renewable energy to achieve universal access by 2030. This investment will create jobs in construction, manufacturing, and installation of renewable energy systems, as well as in operations and maintenance. Another area ripe for innovation, investment and jobs is in the monitoring and measurement of projects on carbon emissions and mitigation. In addition to creating jobs in the renewable energy sector, investing in climate-related projects can also help to reduce poverty and improve living standards. For example, investing in sustainable agriculture can help to increase food production and reduce hunger, while investing in water management can help to ensure that communities have access to clean water. Overall, investing in the climate sector in Africa has the potential to create many new jobs and stimulate economic growth, while also helping to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the continent. Looking forward to hearing more initiatives coming out of the Africa Climate Summit and seeing where the new opportunities will arise! #climatechange #climate #carbonreduction #netzero

🌍 Unlocking Africa's Energy Potential for Sustainable Development: https://lnkd.in/ebgAdAuZ Despite immense resources, Africa faces severe energy poverty, affecting 600 million people without electricity and over a billion relying on traditional stoves. This hampers health, education, and economic development. Critical Investment Needs 💡 Energy Investment: Africa must double annual energy investments by 2030, focusing on clean energy. 💡 Electricity Access: $22 billion annually is needed for universal electricity and $4 billion for clean cooking solutions. Pathway to Progress 🚀 Renewable Resources: Africa has 60% of the best #solar resources and significant hydropower, geothermal, and wind potential. 🚀 Industrial Development: Expanding industries and clean energy tech are essential, with private sector spending needing to increase 2.5x by 2030. Mobilizing Finance 🌱 Blended Finance: Combining donor and private funds can attract more investment, with significant growth in deals using blended finance. 🌱 International Cooperation: G7 and international efforts are crucial to overcoming investment barriers and achieving energy goals. #Africa #EnergyInvestment #SustainableDevelopment #RenewableEnergy #EconomicGrowth

As we continue to honor the outstanding achievements of the winners of the Gabriel Al-Salem Foundation's International Award for Excellence in Consulting 2023, let's shine a spotlight on Tajhydro Consulting (Tajikistan) for their remarkable work in the industry and winning the Award in the "Environmental Responsibility" category with the project "Tajikistan Rural Electrification." 🌟👏 Tajhydro Consulting has made an impactful contribution in Tajikistan, specifically in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, through its innovative project focusing on renewable energy-based micro-grids. This initiative aimed to electrify 35 settlements, enhancing electricity access for an average of at least 14 hours a day. The project, which marked a strategic investment, involved constructing small networks for electricity production, including small hydropower plants, wind generators, and solar panels, as well as the necessary infrastructure for electricity distribution. This sustainable approach significantly reduced the usage of diesel fuel, coal, and other traditional fuels, leading to environmental improvements. TajHydro's efforts support not only the local communities in some of Tajikistan's poorest and most remote areas but also contribute to socio-economic development across the border in Afghanistan. The project is a testament to TajHydro's commitment to sustainable development, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing human capital through access to electricity. Their success in overcoming challenges related to high altitude and remote areas and adapting to changing conditions has been commendable. The first phase of the project achieved the basic design, environmental impact analysis, and preparation for the next phase. TajHydro's role in this project exemplifies their excellence in consulting, especially in the field of renewable energy and environmental responsibility, making them a fitting recipient of the International Award for Excellence in Consulting in the “Environmental Responsibility” category. For more information about the International Award for Excellence in Consulting and its winners, please visit the Gabriel Al-Salem Foundation's website at https://lnkd.in/e9ewK7-f #consulting #consultingwithoutborders #awardwinners #tajikistan #environement #environmentalimpact #environmentalconsulting #environmentalresponsibility #ruraldevelopment #excellence #awards

💡🏠🌞 We’re happy to celebrate with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Southern Africa Energy Program (SAEP) for providing first-time energy access to more than 3 million homes and businesses in Southern Africa! 💡🏠🌞 Since its inception in 2017, SAEP, implemented by Deloitte Consulting LLP, has increased electricity access throughout the region through technical assistance to utilities and the off-grid private sector. As USAID’s flagship implementing mechanism for Power Africa in Southern Africa, SAEP has advanced over 750 activities in 10 countries and contributed to Power Africa’s goal to connect 60 million new homes and businesses to power by 2030. For families with children studying at night or entrepreneurs trying to expand a business successfully, electricity access makes a world of difference. We’re proud to have played a role in extending electricity and its economic, health, and educational benefits to underserved communities throughout Southern Africa. #EnergyAccess #Electricity #CleanEnergy #RenewableEnergy #MiniGrid #HydroPower #Angola #Botswana #Eswatini #Lesotho #Madagascar #Malawi #Mozambique #Namibia #SouthAfrica #Zambia #SDG7