Gambian youth are increasingly being recognised as vital to the progress of the country’s energy sector, particularly renewable energy.
Training and edification initiatives are focused on empowering young people with skills and opportunities in sustainable energy production, including solar, wind, and biomass.
This empowerment involves education, training, and entrepreneurship programs designed to harness youth energy and creativity for a more sustainable and inclusive energy landscape.
Youth are being trained and employed in the installation, operation, and maintenance of solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy systems.
Youth are participating in projects that convert organic waste into biogas for energy and fertilizer, addressing both energy and waste management challenges.
Young people are adopting innovative approaches to agriculture, integrating renewable energy for irrigation and processing, and exploring opportunities in bioenergy production.
Initiatives are fostering youth-led businesses in the energy sector, such as poultry farming (providing a market for biogas) and renewable energy-focused startups.
Organizations like Youth Action Network The Gambia (YANG) are empowering youth to advocate for renewable energy, environmental protection, and climate action.
Addressing the need for accessible microloans and financial literacy training for young entrepreneurs in the energy sector is crucial.
Bridging the gap between available skills and industry needs through targeted vocational training and mentorship programs is essential.
Stronger policies and public-private partnerships are needed to support youth-led initiatives and integrate renewable energy into national development plans.
Raising awareness about the benefits of renewable energy and the opportunities for youth engagement is important for driving adoption.
The project aims to create jobs and support long-term economic sustainability for Gambian youth by focusing on skills development and entrepreneurship.
The project is being directed to achieve rural electrification with renewable energy, contributing to the country's National Development Plan. It is also focused on research, development and implementation of renewable energy solutions.
Meanwhile, the National Youth Council (NYC), with support from the UNDP through the Infrastructure for Peace Project (I4P), has capacity-building training for members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on the National Action Plan for Youth, Peace, and Security.
The training focuses on Programme Design, Planning, and Implementation, equipping TWG members with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively lead and support the implementation of the Plan.
The TWG includes dynamic representatives from National Youth Organizations, Civil Society, Development Partners, and Government Institutions, all working together to foster sustainable peace and youth empowerment in The Gambia.
