A new push to prepare young Nigerians for emerging job opportunities in the green economy is gaining traction, as stakeholders launch a targeted training programme focused on renewable energy, sustainability and digital media skills. MSME platform access The initiative, led by Advocacy for Policy and Innovation in partnership with the House Committee on Renewable Energy and the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform, introduced the Africa Policy Dialogues Renewable Energy Digital Media Fellowship for youth. The fellowship is a 12-week programme designed to bridge the growing skills gap in Nigeria’s green economy and open up employment pathways for young people. It began with an intensive two-week training phase during which selected participants were equipped with practical competencies in digital communication in the renewable energy sector. Participants received training in areas such as digital media fundamentals for the energy sector, CV development, the use of artificial intelligence in content creation, visual design and blogging. The programme adopts a technical and vocational training approach, combining classroom learning with hands-on experience to prepare participants for real-world roles. According to programme coordinators, one of the biggest barriers to the growth of Nigeria’s green economy is the shortage of skilled talent, both in technical fields like renewable energy and in supporting roles such as communication and advocacy. There are also concerns about limited awareness of green career paths and gaps in existing educational curricula. To address this, the fellowship goes beyond training. Participants who complete the first phase are placed in organisations within Nigeria’s green economy ecosystem, where they gain practical experience through internships and apprenticeships while receiving mentorship. The broader goal is to build a steady pipeline of talent capable of supporting the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Organisers say the programme is targeting at least 100 young people, equipping them with specialised skills that align with the demands of sustainability-focused industries. For small businesses and startups operating in renewable energy, recycling, climate tech and sustainability services, this development could be significant. Access to a pool of trained young professionals with both technical understanding and digital communication skills can help these businesses scale operations, improve visibility and attract funding or partnerships. The initiative also aligns with ongoing policy efforts to formalise and expand green job opportunities in Nigeria. Central to this is the proposed National Inclusive Green Jobs Act, which aims to institutionalise inclusive policies that support job creation within the green economy. As Nigeria continues to explore alternatives to oil-dependent growth, programmes like this fellowship signal a growing recognition that the future of work will increasingly be shaped by sustainability, innovation and the ability of young people to adapt to new economic realities.