Women central to Africa’s green economy, experts say

Staff reporter



Africa’s green transition cannot succeed without the inclusion of women, experts warn, calling for urgent investment in gender-inclusive reskilling programmes to equip women with green and digital skills.



As Africa adapts to climate change and shifts toward sustainable industries, women remain an underutilised force in the green economy, say researchers in gender, climate change and sustainable development.



Despite playing key roles in agriculture, household energy, water management, and community resilience, African women face systemic barriers, including limited access to land, finance, education, and decision-making, that prevent them from fully participating in climate-smart economic activities.



A green economy is defined as one that improves human well-being and social equity while reducing environmental risks. In practical terms, it means using fewer resources to produce more, and doing so in a way that protects the planet for future generations.



With the world rapidly investing in renewable energy, climate adaptation, and resource efficiency, new work opportunities are emerging. According to climate researchers, if women had equitable access to green skills, their productivity across sectors like agriculture, energy, manufacturing and processing could triple.



Unlocking economic potential



African women are already climate actors. From adopting sustainable farming practices to leading local conservation efforts, they are often at the forefront of environmental innovation. Yet their traditional knowledge, particularly in rural areas, is rarely integrated into modern green solutions.



“Women are not just victims of climate change; they are also powerful agents of change,” said one of the researchers behind a new book examining Africa’s path to sustainable growth. A key chapter, Green Reskilling of African Women for Climate Action, highlights the types of skills needed to ensure women thrive during the continent’s climate transition.



These skills fall into two main categories: green and gender-inclusive skills, and green digital skills.



These skills focus on areas where women are already active but require updated techniques to meet climate goals:



• Natural asset management: Understanding how to protect forests, water bodies and soil.



• Low-carbon industry support: Skills for working in renewable energy, sustainable transport, and low-emission manufacturing.



• Climate resilience: Building infrastructure to withstand extreme weather or cultivating drought-resistant crops.



• Resource efficiency: Reducing waste and maximising use of water, energy and materials through sustainable practices like recycling or eco-friendly packaging.



Green digital skills



As the green economy becomes increasingly tech-enabled, digital skills are vital:



• Digital marketing of green products: Promoting eco-friendly services via online platforms.



• Environmental monitoring: Using data analytics, apps or sensors to track climate indicators.



• Precision agriculture: Accessing online weather data and using mobile tools to increase farm efficiency and resilience.



• Green design and communications: Developing smart systems or using digital media to advocate for sustainability.



• Mobile technologies: Creating apps and mobile tools that promote energy savings or waste reduction.



These skills are not just about future-proofing women’s roles in the economy – they also help communities become more resilient to climate shocks.



Breaking barriers



To unlock these opportunities, structural changes are required. Policymakers and development partners are urged to prioritise inclusive training, education reform and green job creation in national climate strategies.



Gender-responsive policy frameworks already exist in many African countries, but experts point to challenges in implementation. Funding shortfalls, weak institutional support and lack of coordination continue to undermine progress.



“Africa needs training models that reach rural, marginalised and disabled women,” the report states. This includes:



• Investing in technical and vocational education that blends digital learning with community-based instruction.



• Strengthening informal learning channels often used by women outside the formal workforce.



• Ensuring access to finance and markets, so that women can turn skills into sustainable businesses.



• Promoting cross-sector partnerships between government, civil society and the private sector to drive innovation and pool resources.



Tanzania was cited as a leading example, where coordinated partnerships have embedded gender equity in national climate strategies.



Building a just transition



With the global spotlight on climate action, researchers argue that African women must not be treated solely as beneficiaries but as co-creators and leaders of climate solutions.



“Involving women in the green economy isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential for success,” the authors argue. “A just transition means no one is left behind.”



The call also extends to men, who must be part of reshaping social norms to ensure that women can participate equally. Shared responsibility within households and communities is key to long-term success, they say.



Ultimately, green reskilling is about more than training; it’s about transformation. Giving women the tools to lead Africa’s climate response will not only drive inclusive economic growth but also safeguard the continent’s future.



– Additional reporting The Conversation