Africa Climate Summit: World Resource Institute, Toolkit enter strategic deal on youth empowerment

By Victor MUJIDU

World Resource Institute (WRI) in collaboration with Toolkit and Innovation Hub, the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and the Children Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) showcased Kenya’s youth participation in innovative approaches geared towards climate change mitigation.

A team of delegates from different countries visited the Inaugural ACS 2023 event and showcased themselves at the Toolkit Skills and Innovative Hub (TTI). The team was taken through the Youth Skills Bazaar a hands-on exhibition showcasing Toolkit’s initiatives in renewable energy, Virtual Reality-based welding, and agribusiness.

As a precursor of the ACS, the dialogue sought to provide an opportunity for different stakeholders to familiarize themselves with innovative approaches that Toolkit employs to build the Skills of Kenyan youth for a just and Inclusive transition while at the same time, identifying approaches and strategies for scaling at sub-national and regional level.

Conquering the digital transition for African youth and Skilling, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo underscored the indispensable role of skilled youth in achieving an inclusive and just transition. The County boss further highlighted the importance of investing in youth to ensure long-term prosperity.

“Makueni County is dedicated to providing our youth with the skills they need to succeed…, this event showcases the significance of such initiatives in creating a more equitable and resilient future”, reads part of his speech.

Wanjira Mathai – Managing Director, Africa & Global Partnerships, WRI, pointed out the critical need for collaboration across stakeholders. She commented, “Initiatives like TTI’s thrive on partnerships.

“Collaborations between governments, the private sector, and organizations like ours are essential to effectively scale impactful programs. Together, we can empower youth to drive the transformative change needed for a sustainable future”, she said.

According to Jane Muigai-Kamphius, founder and director of Toolkit for Skills and Innovation Hub, African youth should tap into climate change space for employment.

“TTI takes pride in having trained over 6,000 youth, equipping them with skills that align with the job market. Our innovative programs blend technical training with life skills, ensuring comprehensive development. Through strategic partnerships, we envision extending our impact to train over 47,000 more youth,” she said.

Other comments were made by former Laikipia Governor, Ndiritu Muriithi and Foreign Ambassador, Miroslaw Godj’z. The duo commented on the positive milestones the youth have achieved at Toolkit as well as highlighting the possible achievements they will get based on the skills obtained.

The event also revealed the findings of a comprehensive report by TTI on skilling African youth for an inclusive and just transition. The report highlighted the crucial role of targeted skills development in enhancing climate resilience and facilitating a seamless transition to sustainable industries.

The report also identified challenges and opportunities for scaling up youth skilling initiatives, offering a strategic roadmap for stakeholders to drive meaningful change.

The Africa Climate Summit is championed by President William Ruto and aims to address the increasing exposure to climate change and its associated costs, both globally and particularly in Africa.

With the expectation of escalating climate crises in terms of frequency and intensity, urgent action is required to mitigate these challenges. This Summit will serve as a platform to inform, frame, and influence commitments, pledges, and outcomes, ultimately leading to the development of the Nairobi Declaration