Africa's green transition could create 84.5 million jobs
23 June 2026
A new study by Genesis, in partnership with FSD Africa, Shell Foundation, and Shortlist Futures, has found that Africa's green transition could generate up to 84.5 million jobs and livelihood opportunities by 2050.
Unlocking Africa's Green Transition: Opportunities Towards a Green and Inclusive Workforce reveals that by 2030, up to 7.9 million jobs could emerge in clean cooking, distributed solar, waste recycling, and e-mobility. These sectors offer real entry points for women, young people, and lower-income workers.
However, the study also points to significant challenges. Africa holds 60% of the world's best solar resources, yet accounts for just 2% of the global renewable energy workforce. Less than 1% of climate finance currently goes towards skills development, and 86% of projected green jobs in 2030 are expected to be informal.
This means that without deliberate policy action, many of these roles risk being low-value and outside formal labour protections, missing the chance to deliver genuine economic mobility.
"Without the right policies, Africa's green jobs boom could widen inequality rather than reduce it," said Genesis lead researcher Marcela Tarazona