Swedish Embassy and SNV launch project to create jobs for young people in the solar energy sector in the provinces of Nampula, Cabo Delgado and Niassa

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Swedish Embassy and SNV launch project to create jobs for young people in the solar energy sector in the provinces of Nampula, Cabo Delgado and Niassa

4:30 CAT | 08 Feb 2024

Photo: SNV

This is a public-private development partnership between SNV, the Industrial and Commercial Institute (IICN), and three private sector companies: Ignite, Engie Energy Access and SolarWorks, with funding from the Government of Sweden to the value of 423 Million Meticais, with the main objective of creating opportunities for young people through a sustainable skills development model, as well as increasing access to energy, in the mitigation of climate change.

The GeraSol project will provide certified training for 3,000 young people, identify and match 2,000 young people to roles and jobs in the renewable energy sector, so that they obtain the appropriate skills and are placed in salaried and self-employed jobs that match their interests and the demands of expanding the sector.

The project will be managed by SNV, which will facilitate private sector investment and public sector involvement, as well as providing basic skills material to companies so that they can achieve the objectives of employing and retaining young people. On the other hand, IICN will be GeraSol’s technical vocational training centre and the companies will contribute to the design and delivery of training courses that provide young people with the skills needed in the private sector, as well as providing jobs, equipment, mentoring and internships for IICN trainees.

“Employment of and for young people is a key priority for Sweden in its development co-operation with Mozambique and we believe in expanding the off-grid energy market, both in terms of providing clean energy to vulnerable populations and creating jobs where it is most needed” – Mette Sunnergrenn, Ambassador of Sweden.

Gerasolproj.sup_

“The Gerasol Project being launched today is bringing together the governments of Nampula, Niassa and Cabo Delgado, as well as the private sector in the area of renewable energy, not only to increase the availability of off-grid energy in the most remote areas of northern Mozambique, but also to help create jobs in this dynamic off-grid energy sector.” – Bernie Chaves, SNV Country Director

Only fifty per cent of Mozambique’s population currently has access to electricity. A large part of the off-grid population is unaware of clean energy technologies and their benefits. With an off-grid population of approximately three million households, Mozambique has the ninth largest off-grid population in sub-Saharan Africa.

In this sense, green jobs can be a solution to the common goals of economic growth, environmental sustainability and social inclusion. The production and distribution of clean, small-scale energy technologies is an emerging market that offers opportunities for young people to get involved as sales agents, employees and entrepreneurs in the value chain. These jobs can fulfil the career goals and increase the incomes of young men and women, with different skill levels and in rural and remote areas.

About SNV

SNV is a mission-driven global development partner working in more than 20 countries across Africa and Asia. Building on 60 years of experience and grounded in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we work on the core themes of gender equality and social inclusion, climate adaptation and mitigation, and strong institutions and effective governance. Together with our team of over 1,600 people, our mission is to strengthen capacities and catalyse partnerships that transform the agri-food, energy, and water systems, which enable sustainable and more equitable lives for all.

Source: SNV /Media Release