A greener economy could bring millions of jobs to some of the largest countries in Africa, according to a new report.
Research by the development agency FSD Africa and the impact advisory firm Shortlist predicts that 3.3 million jobs could be generated across the continent by 2030.
Forecasting Green Jobs in Africa predicts that 60% of the roles, mainly in the renewable energy sector, will be skilled or white collar positions that can “spur the growth of the middle class in countries with high-growth sectors” such as renewable energy, e-mobility, construction and manufacturing.
The report was based on forecasts from five countries – the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa – that the study says will see more than a fifth of the jobs expected from the green transition over the next six years.
About 10% of the jobs created will demand university degrees, 30% will be “specialised” work that requires certification or vocational training, and 20% administrative. Unskilled labour will be more stable, with opportunities for upward mobility, the study predicts.
“This is the first public report that takes seriously the notion that human capital and talent is important as an input to green economic growth, and as a positive outcome – in the form of millions of new, direct jobs,” says Paul Breloff, CEO of Shortlist.