Energizing Africa’s Future Through Youthful Perspectives

Schneider Electric

The global shift towards electrification continues, presenting both challenges and opportunities. This transition is evident worldwide, with countries transforming their energy production and consumption methods.

Organizations are now prioritizing digitalization, decarbonization, and sustainability as they strive to cut emissions and achieve sustainable goals.

Navigating the Evolving Energy Sector

The evolving energy sector is characterized by the global move towards renewable energy sources, a crucial approach in addressing climate change. Each country’s energy landscape is shaped by its own unique set of renewable resources.

Consider Kenya as an example. The country is seeing the emergence of an electric vehicle (EV) market, fueled by geothermal and hydropower energy sources. This transition not only introduces new technologies but also signifies a cultural shift towards enhanced productivity driven by alternative energy.

Adopting EVs requires effective energy management practices. Typically, EVs are charged at locations like homes, workplaces, or shopping centers, which makes up nearly 80% of charging activities. This could substantially increase the energy demand of buildings during off-peak hours.

For instance, charging a standard electric vehicle might require around 7KW, whereas the average household power demand in Kenya is about 2KW. Incorporating an EV into a home could potentially increase its energy consumption threefold or even fourfold.

To address this higher demand and support the widespread use of EVs, effective energy management strategies are crucial. This includes investing in on-site renewable generation, such as rooftop solar panels, adopting efficiency measures, and employing real-time monitoring systems to manage and reduce energy usage.

Preparing the Future Workforce for the Energy Sector

East Africa, particularly Kenya, is home to a youthful population, with over 80% of Kenyans under the age of 35. This demographic has the potential to drive significant advancements in the energy sector.

Training and preparing young people is essential for advancing the evolving energy landscape. Vocational education can play a key role in equipping the youth with the skills necessary for the future, ensuring that East Africa can make the most of its demographic advantage without relying on external expertise.

Developing a skilled and dynamic workforce also involves encouraging entrepreneurship and providing relevant training. This highlights the need for strong partnerships between vocational institutions and industry leaders, preparing the next generation to thrive in the new energy environment.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are expected to become a vital part of East Africa’s energy transformation. These businesses will create job opportunities and, with support from global companies such as Schneider Electric, will help set standards for the emerging energy sector.

Schneider Electric envisions a future where countries like Kenya, at the forefront of technology and decarbonization, play a pivotal role. It is the youth and SMEs, known as impact makers, who are driving the transformation towards a more resilient, electrified, and net-zero world.

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