USAID, power Africa to create clean energy opportunities for Nigerian women

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Power Africa have launched the “Growing Green Jobs for Women in Nigeria” initiative.

The initiative aims to promote gender equality, clean energy solutions and align with Nigeria’s sustainability goals and it is expected to provide around 500 women and youth with the skills and opportunities needed to secure better positions in Nigeria’s energy sector.

It is reported that women have been underrepresented in energy-related professions in Nigeria and their presence in leadership or decision-making roles remains limited. According to the Powering Jobs Census 2022, only eight per cent of women are in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) positions, compared to 64 per cent in non-STEM roles in the Nigerian workforce.

USAID/Nigeria’s economic programme management specialist, Susan Oranye, said: “Through the Energy Transition Plan, Nigeria seeks to achieve net zero emissions by 2060 and lift 100 million Nigerians out of energy poverty by substantially expanding clean energy generation. This transition is expected to create 420,000 jobs in the power sector alone by 2060, creating an opportunity for women to play a growing role in Nigeria’s traditionally male-dominated power sector,”

The programme offers women and youth a range of blended learning opportunities and resources to excel in the competitive energy sector workforce. It includes professional and technical skills training in areas like solar installation, project management, and communications skills, as well as employability clinics, job fairs, job shadowing experiences, and mentorship programmes.