Africa is projected to generate approximately 3.3 million new jobs in the green economy by 2030, primarily within sectors such as solar energy, electric vehicle manufacturing, and climate-resilient agriculture. This analysis is based on a report released in late July by FSD Africa, a British government-supported development agency, alongside HR consulting firm Shortlist.
The report, titled “Forecasting Green Jobs in Africa,” identifies five pivotal sectors with significant job-creating potential: energy and electricity, mobility and transportation, agriculture and nature, construction and real estate, and manufacturing and materials. These sectors have been further categorized into 12 sub-sectors, including solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric energy; electric two- and three-wheelers; climate-smart agricultural technologies; aquaculture and poultry farming; waste management and recycling; battery storage; power transmission and distribution; charging infrastructure; and ecosystem services.
According to the report’s estimates, the energy and electricity sector alone could yield up to 2 million direct jobs by the end of the decade, making up roughly 70 percent of the anticipated green jobs. Solar energy is expected to contribute around 1.7 million jobs, or 57 percent of the total, while electricity transmission and distribution may generate an additional 197,000 positions.
The agriculture and nature sectors are anticipated to create around 700,000 jobs, accounting for about 25 percent of the overall projection. Within this category, climate-smart agricultural technologies could provide 377,000 jobs, aquaculture and poultry farming 189,000 jobs, and ecosystem conservation an additional 117,000 roles.
The report also highlights five African nations—Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa—that are expected to experience notable growth in green job opportunities. Together, these countries could produce up to 700,000 green jobs by 2030, representing about 22 percent of Africa’s total green employment potential.
South Africa is projected to lead with between 85,000 and 275,000 new jobs, followed by Nigeria (60,000 to 240,000), Kenya (40,000 to 240,000), Ethiopia (30,000 to 130,000), and DRC (15,000 to 45,000). Each country exhibits unique strengths, with hydropower likely driving job growth in the DRC (16,000 jobs) and Ethiopia (33,000 jobs), while solar energy dominates in South Africa (140,000 jobs) and Kenya (111,000 jobs). Aquaculture and poultry farming are anticipated to be Nigeria’s primary job creators, expected to yield approximately 69,000 jobs.
The report underscores that 60 percent of these new green jobs will require skilled labor, thereby supporting the burgeoning middle class in Africa. Of the total, 10 percent will demand university degrees, 30 percent will require specialized certifications, and 20 percent will focus on administrative roles. Unskilled positions will also provide stability and opportunities for career advancement.
To fully harness the potential for green jobs, African nations need to mobilize over $100 billion annually. This investment is essential for workforce training, infrastructure improvement, and developing business-friendly regulations to mitigate investment risks.
FSD Africa and Shortlist encourage policymakers to foster collaboration among governments, private enterprises, educational institutions, and investors to maximize the benefits of the green economy.
The green economy in Africa represents a holistic vision for sustainable development, merging economic advancement with environmental responsibility while promoting the efficient use of resources, resilience to climate change, and equitable social outcomes.
