Youth Energy Summit (YES!) 2025: Africa’s Energy Future Has a New Face and It’s Young
- koketso101
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
This week, the Cape Town International Convention Centre transformed into a buzzing hub of ambition, policy, and innovation as the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) 2025 unfolded alongside the prestigious Africa Energy Forum (AEF) and the inaugural SAREM Expo.
Billed as the continent’s most impactful platform for youth in the energy sector, YES! 2025 proved that the future of Africa’s energy transition is not only bright — it’s youth-driven.
Day one opened with energy (quite literally) as Simon Gosling, founder of YES!, welcomed over 4,000 youth delegates. Deputy Minister Samantha Graham-Maré followed with a powerful message about the urgency of inclusive platforms like YES! to shape policy, spark innovation and equip youth to lead the continent’s just energy transition.
The forum was also graced by Hon. Lerato D. Mataboge, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, who shared reflections on youth leadership and the importance of intergenerational collaboration across the energy value chain.
From CV workshops and expert Q&A sessions to startup showcases and employer networking zones, YES! 2025 wasn’t just about conversation — it was a launchpad. Attendees connected with industry giants like Nedbank CIB, Siemens Energy, and IFC, while young entrepreneurs pitched green business ideas, some walking away with mentorship and grant opportunities.
One of the most anticipated sessions featured our CEO, Nonjabulo Sokhela, on a dynamic panel discussion titled "Just Transition: What Does Africa Want?"
Joining her were:
Hon. Olivier Jean-Baptiste, Minister of Energy & Hydrocarbons, Madagascar
Stephen McNeill, Co-founder, Nopal
Haruna Inuwa, Researcher at the University of Oxford
Celiwe Mabaso, Head of Sustainability, NOA
Prof. Mark Swilling, Commissioner, National Planning Commission
The dialogue explored what a truly just energy transition means in the African context, where equity, access, local employment, and youth empowerment must be at the centre. Nonjabulo brought attention to the importance of skills development and meaningful inclusion, calling for deeper investment in local capacity and youth entrepreneurship.
Running alongside YES! was the newly unveiled SAREM Expo, anchored by a keynote from South Africa’s Minister of Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. His speech, revealed the Southern African Renewable Energy Market (SAREM), a groundbreaking initiative designed to fast-track the procurement of renewable energy projects, boost private sector participation, and expand the national grid. Ramokgopa’s address made it clear: South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy cannot happen in isolation. It requires regional cooperation, youthful energy, and practical urgency.
With YES! 2025 coming to a close, its legacy is only just beginning. Plans for a “YES! On the Road” series promise to take these conversations to regional centres, ensuring young people from rural and peri-urban areas are not left behind.
For many attendees, this week was more than a summit, it was a turning point. As Africa navigates a complex energy future, it’s evident that its greatest asset is not just sun, wind, or natural resources, it’s the next generation, already stepping up to lead.
Nepoworx is proud to have played a role at YES! 2025. We’ll continue investing in young talent and advocating for a just, inclusive energy transition, because the future must be built with and by the youth of Africa.
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We invite you to explore more about our initiatives and the work we do. Check out Nepoworx to learn how you can be part of this transformative journey.
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