Hon. Victor Afam Ogene, Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, has called for policies that make renewable energy more accessible to young people, especially in African countries like Nigeria. Speaking at a side event at the COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, Ogene proposed tax breaks, vocational grants, and more youth involvement in climate and energy policy discussions to help shape better laws.
The side event, called “Driving the Just Transition: Labor-Based Incentives and Youth-Centric Policies for a Sustainable Future,” focused on ways to ensure a fair and inclusive shift to renewable energy in Africa. The discussion covered labor incentives, youth-focused policies, and how to create jobs while promoting sustainability.
Dr. Anika Altaf, Executive Director of INCLUDE, and other experts, including youth leader Farida Ally from Kenya, joined Ogene in the discussions. Dr. Altaf suggested mentorship programs and international funding to support youth-led renewable energy projects. The event highlighted the need for policies that speak to young people’s needs and provide job opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
