Youth Energy Summit

Youth Energy Summit 2026

Cape Town CTICC 1

Youth Energy Summit 2026 was held alongside Africa Energy Forum 2026 (aef) this year in Cape Town, South Africa on the 19th of June.

YES! was created in response to a pressing demographic reality: nearly half of the continent’s population lacked access to electricity. By 2050, Africa is projected to have the world’s largest working-age population, with its youth population (ages 15–24) expected to exceed 830 million. To keep pace with this rapid growth, the continent would need to generate 1.5 million new jobs every month – a demand that is expected to continue rising.

The YES! mission was to accelerate electrification across the continent while unlocking jobs at scale by engaging 10% of the population. At its core was the effort to build a 100-million-strong youth network through partnerships with industry leaders, governments, global institutions, and education organisations.

Agenda

Under the patronage of The Ministry of Electricity and Energy, South Africa

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It was such a privilege to represent Kenyatta University at the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa , a powerful platform where ideas met action and young energy leaders from across the continent came together to reimagine Africa’s energy future. From thought-provoking sessions with industry leaders and regulators, to interactive workshops on renewable energy entrepreneurship and digital innovation , it was an experience that truly challenged and empowered us.

Sheila Wambui YES Alumni

YES! 2025 was transformative – connecting thousands of young energy leaders in Cape Town. UCT’s strategic partnership provided our students with invaluable industry exposure, career-defining professional networks, and hands-on workshops that equipped them with concrete skills and actionable next steps for launching clean energy ventures and pursuing renewable technology careers, driving Africa’s sustainable energy future.

Nawaal Boolay Head of Graduate Development & Employability – University of Cape Town

I couldn’t be more inspired watching 4,900+ young minds take charge of their future, learning, connecting, and exploring real solutions for decarbonization.

Neveen Hussein Sustainability Leader MEA – Siemens Energy

A powerful platform where ideas met action and young energy leaders from across the continent came together to reimagine Africa’s energy future.

Sheila Wambui YES Alumni

A heartfelt thank you to the YES! organisers for providing a powerful platform for dialogue, and recognising the impact IPP’s like Pele can have across the continent.

Pele Green Energy Group

The experience was not only inspiring but also deeply empowering for our students, who came away with invaluable insights, networks, and a renewed sense of purpose as future leaders in the energy space. Your commitment to engaging young talent and creating platforms for youth voices to be heard is truly commendable.

Brian Thubelo Corporate Relationship Manager, Eduvos

Access the 2025 Post Summit Report

YES! 2025

Last year, with over 6,000 youth registered, 3,200 attending in person, over 230 expert speakers, and 80 sessions over 3 days, YES! featured masterclasses, panel discussions, recruitment presentations, an entrepreneurs pitching station and ask the experts sessions to empower Africa’s youth to succeed in the sector as leaders and entrepreneurs.

Download the YES! 2025 Post Show Report to learn more!