UNDP Empowers Nigeria’s Cleantech Revolution with 200 Newly Trained Solar Energy Technicians
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has successfully trained its first batch of 200 Nigerian youths in Renewable Solar Energy Systems. This diverse group, comprising 62 females and 138 males, including persons with disabilities, have acquired practical skills in designing, installing, and maintaining solar energy systems. This initiative is aimed at driving Nigeria’s transition to clean energy while addressing youth unemployment.
A six-month specialized training program, conducted in collaboration with AFS Vocational Hub, offered participants entrepreneurship training and equipped them with toolboxes to launch their careers in solar energy. Furthermore, all graduates registered their business names and gained access to market support, enabling them to establish viable and sustainable businesses.
The initiative is part of the UNDP’s efforts to tackle youth unemployment and support Nigeria’s Vision 30:30:30, which targets 30GW of renewable energy and 30% of electricity from renewables by 2030. As Nigeria’s energy demand is projected to double by 2040 and youth unemployment stands at 8.6% (NBS, 2023), empowering youth through initiatives like this is crucial for driving economic growth.
Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, stated, “This program goes beyond training young Nigerians; it establishes a foundation for sustainable growth in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.” She added, “These graduates are now empowered to spearhead Nigeria’s energy transition, enhance climate resilience, and create green jobs that will energize communities and industries nationwide.”
The Electricity Act 2023 has introduced significant changes to Nigeria’s energy sector, deregulating it and granting state governments control over electricity generation and distribution. This shift highlights the pressing need for skilled workers in clean energy technologies. The solar industry is particularly crucial in addressing Nigeria’s energy gap, especially in rural areas where access to electricity is limited. More so, investing in solar energy, Nigeria can bridge this gap and provide sustainable power to its citizens.
UNDP’s Integrated Clean Energy Offer provides a holistic framework for addressing the nation’s energy challenges through four pillars:
1. Policy Advisory Hub – Supporting governments in crafting effective energy policies.
2. Data and Digital Energy Solutions – Leveraging technology to optimize energy systems.
3. Human Capital Development – Building a skilled workforce for the energy sector.
4. Financing Facility – Investing in energy solutions for key social sectors like health, agriculture, and trade.
Beyond technical skills, the program focuses on entrepreneurship, empowering participants to launch small solar energy businesses. To support their ventures, graduates receive registered business names, market access, and startup toolkits, enabling them to become job creators and drive economic growth in their communities.
As global demand for renewable energy surges and Nigeria leads Africa’s energy transition, this program marks a significant step in UNDP’s goal to create 1 million green jobs by 2030. Also, by prioritizing climate action and sustainable development, initiatives like this position Nigeria as a pioneer in tackling environmental and economic challenges, driving growth and a greener future.
The success story of the graduating cohort showcases the impact of focused initiatives in skills development and market access in transforming lives and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with the Nigerian government, private sector, and civil society to foster a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future.
About UNDP
UNDP is the leading United Nations international development organisation working in 170 countries to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. UNDP helps countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas: sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience.
UNDP supports the government of Nigeria in the implementation of development interventions aimed at meeting the medium to long term goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
About AFS Vocational Hub
AFS vocational Hub was established in 2015. Since inception, it has travelled an illustrious journey to become the biggest vocational training centre in the FCT focused on providing training that promotes employable skills and building a world class community of outstanding and skilled workforce ready for the prevailing labour market.
AFS was born out of the need to promote Technical Vocational Education in Nigeria. AFS is duly accredited and recognized by the National Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB).
For more details visit: www.afsvocationhub.com
For further information contact:
Media
Christabel Chanda – Ginsberg
Public Engagment, Outreach and Partnership Lead
christabel.chanda-ginsberg@undp.org
Programmes
Clare.henshaw@undp.org
ceo@afsvocation.com
info@afsvocation.com
Admin@afsvocationhub.com