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Launch of YES! Youth Energy Summit

Youth Energy Summit (YES) launched last year in Brussels. Beginning on the main stage of the Africa Energy Forum alongside industry heavyweights and 13 African Energy Ministers, the YES! launch had a starring role in the wider 1800-person event.

By the end of the week, there were tales of entrepreneurs attracting vital investment, long sought-after connections made, and heroes met! There were appearances from, among many others, Joseph Nganga (Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet), Habiba Ali (Sosai Renewable Energies), Karen Breytenbach (ex IPP Office), Andy Herscowitz (US DFC), along with students, early career professionals, entrepreneurs and educators from across Africa.

YES! is planning both future events and the launch of a 'beyond privilege' free-to access digital platform. This year in June, YES! will reach its biggest audience with up to 1000 attendees joining us in Nairobi alongside AEF. 

Joined us in Brussels, participants from:

  • CMR Group
  • Deloitte
  • Eskom (South Africa)
  • FMO
  • Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet
  • GridCo (Ghana)
  • Grow Platform GmbH, A Bosch Company
  • IPP Office (South Africa)
  • J.P. Morgan
  • KenGen
  • Mainstream Renewable Power
  • Power Africa
  • Renewable Energy Technology Training Institute (RETTI)
  • RMI
  • SOSAI Renewable Energies
  • University of Cape Town
  • University of Nigeria
  • University of Strathmore

45%

Stake Holders

21%

Student

20%

Early Career Professional

11%

Entrepreneur

  • The event being launched alongside aef meant we could have access not only to each other, but to other industry professionals who are leading amazing work in the sector. The programme was also well tailored for participants involved in different areas, but united in wanting to see the energy sector advance in Africa. We met and connected over a number of days which was extremely beneficial for the longer-term networking and potential future collaborations.
    Student
    University of Cape Town
  • Thank you so much for everything this week at YES! and aef, and for inviting Student Energy to participate in this exciting launch. I left the conference feeling energised, and with so many new connections – really looking forward to seeing how the YES! Summit shapes up over the next year.
    Shakti Ramkumar
    Director of Communications, Student Energy
  • The Youth Energy Summit (YES!) 2022 was, in one word, scintillating. From the sessions to the speakers to the attendees, every element of the Summit connected and contributed greatly to its success. And the organizers were more than wonderful. I'd say it exceeded my expectations for a first-time event.
    Student
    University of Nigeria
  • I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of YES!. The sessions were very interesting and I really enjoyed the entrepreneur and the educators' workshops.
    Student
    University of Cape Town
  • Well organized, a great chance to network and insightful information.
    Early Career Professional
    J.P. Morgan
  • The speakers, moderators and attendees involved for the launch were very knowledgeable, issues discussed were related to the youth and preparation of the youth for the future of work in the energy sector.
    Early Career Professional
    KenGen
  • The launch was a success. I have gained a lot of knowledge about various aspects of the industry. It was very interactive. It also allowed me to continuously be engaged while providing me with a chance to connect with amazing individuals. It was definitely worthwhile and I'm honoured to have been part of this amazing initiative created for the youth!
    Early Career Professional
    IPP Office
  • The launch was a huge success. I truly enjoyed how we got the to engage with different stakeholders as well as with one another as young people, imparting invaluable knowledge that I’m confident will be of great benefit moving forward in the in the progression and development of my career.
    Early Career Professional
    IPP Office
  • The event was well organised, the pavilion was very well designed and put together and the general discussions were interesting.
    Student
    University of Cape Town
  • I saw all the effort put into the plan to make it work from the dedication of the team.
    Entrepreneur
    Nigeria
  • Everything went smoothly and I really enjoyed the sessions.
    Student
    University of Cape Town
  • I would personally like to thank you for the amazing opportunity to participate in YES, I feel honoured to have been invited and on top of that be given a speaking opportunity. When I got invited, I had no idea what to expect, but I took a leap of faith and it was the best decision. I am thankful for all the effort, and time you all made to prepare a well thought our programme for us, with amazing speakers. I was fully engaged in all the sessions and I personally feel like the sky is the limit, in terms of my career growth in the energy space. Attending the YES/ aef, allowed me to network with peers and experts I would have never met elsewhere. I would like to volunteer myself to assist or participate in any future EnergyNet or aef/ YES events in future. I truly believe in and support the work you are doing for the youth in Africa.
    Noella Molefe
    Senior Advisor Climate Change & Sustainable Development | Just Energy Transition Office, ESKOM