RAISEAfrica: empowering young innovators to lead Africa’s energy transition

Over the past decade, youth involvement in Africa’s energy transition has shifted from passive observation to active participation, largely thanks to the rise of digital platforms. African youth, empowered by digital networking, now play a key role in shaping the future of energy on the continent. With this evolution, capacity-building programs have increasingly focused on providing young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the renewable energy sector. 

Africa’s youth represents a significant demographic asset, with projections indicating that the continent's youth population will exceed 830 million by 2050. Additionally, the working-age population is expected to grow substantially, from 849 million in 2024 to 1.56 billion by 2050. This demographic shift presents both challenges and opportunities: while the continent’s youth are in a prime position to lead sustainable development, they will require substantial support to capitalize on their potential.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are critical to Africa’s economic structure, with 125 million businesses generating 80% of employment across the continent. However, many startups face significant obstacles, including lack of funding, regulatory challenges, and insufficient infrastructure. Despite a tenfold increase in African startup investment over the last five years, reaching $2.2 billion in 2024, the renewable energy sector remains largely untapped. This gap highlights the need for dedicated accelerators to support energy-focused enterprises.

In response to these challenges, programs such as RAISEAfrica (Renewables Accelerator for Innovative Startups and Entrepreneurs) have emerged to assist young entrepreneurs in the renewable energy sector. Developed with the support of several international organizations, RAISEAfrica offers mentorship, coaching, and networking opportunities, alongside financial support to help startups grow and scale their operations.

RAISEAfrica operates through two main stages: a Pre-Accelerator that supports early-stage entrepreneurs in refining business models and developing market strategies, and an Accelerator that helps businesses ready for market expansion by connecting them with industry resources.

In addition, the foundation organizes the Young Talent of the Year Award to recognize innovators addressing Africa’s social and environmental challenges. The 2024 award ceremony, in collaboration with Enel Green Power, the European Investment Bank, EY Foundation, EDP, SAICA Enterprise Development, and CSIR, highlighted the work of young entrepreneurs tackling crucial issues like clean cooking solutions, sustainable transportation, and renewable energy access in rural communities. These startups are not only addressing environmental challenges but also creating economic opportunities and improving local livelihoods.

The 2024 awardees recognized for their innovative contributions and granted financial support were:

• Mercy Kyalo (Feion Green Ventures, Kenya) – Advancing clean cooking with Jiko-Kul cookers, reducing emissions and improving community health

• Langanani Dube (Off & Tie Grid Solar Company, Zimbabwe) – Expanding mobile renewable energy solutions to boost productivity and sustainability for smallholder farmers

• Lazarous Siwelwa (Virgin Green Renewable Energy, Zambia) – Producing eco-friendly briquettes and clean cookstoves from recycled materials, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels

Looking to the future, RES4Africa has launched the Open Call for the 2025 Batch to further expand its network of young entrepreneurs. A new youth empowerment initiative will consolidate the foundation's various projects to provide additional support for innovation, collaboration, and mentorship. These efforts aim to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will play an essential role in Africa’s energy transition.

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