This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
On July 18, 2019, Raila Odinga, the African Union High Representative for Infrastructure Development, emphasized the importance of investing in renewable energy to create jobs for the youth.
Speaking at the Powering Jobs Conference at Strathmore University, Mr. Odinga highlighted the need for affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy to drive economic development and attract investment.
According to Mr. Odinga, only 16,000 people in Sub-Saharan Africa work in the renewable energy sector, while 600 million people lack access to electricity.
"There is no denying that energy is the sector on which Kenya and Africa can depend in the years ahead to spur economic development, attract investment and create jobs for young people," Mr. Odinga said.
He noted that the continent's population, expected to double in the coming decades, will require jobs, and that good jobs are attracted to areas with the right infrastructure mix of energy, transportation, and internet connectivity.
