From Cyriacus Nnaji,
Lagos
Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) has announced a strategic partnership with Jacob’s Ladder Africa (JLA) to expand green innovation and youth entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
This collaboration will bring JLA’s renowned greenlabs incubation program to Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in efforts to foster youth-centered green solutions, climate innovation, and sustainability across West Africa.
Economic empowerment is a significant piece of what JLA does through: Research to strengthen the evidence base for green workforce preparation; Advocacy and Communication to raise awareness and increase information sharing on green workforce preparation; Training to equip the youth with skills and tools for the green economy and specific carbon market value chains; Entrepreneurship & Intrapreneurship development to grow youth participation in the green economy.
Youth unemployment remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, with over 53% of young people aged 15-35 unemployed or underemployed. The green economy offers a promising solution, with the potential to create millions of jobs while addressing environmental challenges. The International Labour Organization estimates that 24 million jobs worldwide could be created by the green economy by 2030 alone.
Recognizing this opportunity, CADEF is expanding its role in the economy by launching an incubator focused on promoting entrepreneurship among Nigerian youth, particularly in the green sector.
According to Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director of CADEF, “Our partnership with Jacob’s Ladder Africa represents a powerful alignment of our shared values and goals. With the right tools, resources, and mentorship, we believe that Nigerian youths can become the driving force behind the country’s green transition. By equipping them to lead in this emerging sector, we are not only addressing unemployment but also fostering sustainable economic growth.”
CADEF’s commitment to youth development is well-established, as evidenced by the success of the Fingreen Financial Literacy Programme, which was launched in August 2023. As a key implementing partner, CADEF equipped over 800 Nigerian youths with essential financial knowledge and skills, empowering them to navigate today’s complex economic landscape.
In a similar vein, CADEF is currently advancing the Digital Financial Services project, which is training over 100 People with Disabilities (PWDs), including visually and hearing-impaired Nigerian youths. This project aims to enhance financial inclusion and independence by providing critical digital financial literacy skills and advocating for stronger policies to support their needs. Building on these successes, CADEF is now strategically focusing on the green economy as a powerful avenue to further empower Nigerian youth.
Through this new partnership, CADEF and JLA will establish greenlabs in Nigeria, an early-stage startup 9-month incubation program designed to support young entrepreneurs in building scalable green ventures. The program will begin with the Renewable Energy Innovation Challenge – Lagos Edition, inviting young innovators to propose solutions that leverage renewable energy technologies to combat climate change and improve energy access.
“This partnership is an exciting development in our mission to empower the next generation to lead Africa’s green transition,” said Sellah Bogonko, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Jacob’s Ladder Africa. “By launching greenlabs in Nigeria, we are not only expanding our reach but also tapping into the incredible potential of Nigerian youth to drive sustainable economic growth through green innovation.”
Applications for the Renewable Energy Innovation Challenge will open in early September, offering successful applicants mentorship from experienced professionals and academics, along with opportunities to secure pre-seed funding for their startups.
Additionally, all finalists will be considered for sponsorship into the greenLabs incubation program, ensuring their ideas have the support needed to grow and thrive.
As the partnership progresses, CADEF and JLA are confident that their combined efforts will lead to significant advancements in Nigeria’s green economy, providing young entrepreneurs with the platform they need to turn their innovative ideas into reality.
