Earth Day 2025: A Turning Point for the Planet and for Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs
Earth Day 2025 marks a powerful moment to reflect, connect, and take action. The theme this year, “Our Power, Our Planet,” calls on us all, individuals, businesses, and governments, to accelerate the shift to clean, renewable energy. It’s a global challenge, but also a major opportunity, especially for Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
A Turning Point for the Planet
Despite progress in green technologies, fossil fuels still provide 80% of the world’s energy. This is a big problem. Burning fossil fuels is the single largest cause of climate change, and time is running out. Simon Stiell, Head of the UN Climate Change office, warns that we must cut global emissions by nearly half by 2030 to avoid the worst climate impacts. The good news? We already have the solutions. In most countries, it’s now cheaper to build solar and wind energy systems than new fossil fuel power plants. But the clock is ticking. We need to build clean energy systems five times faster than we are now. This shift isn’t just about technology — it’s about people leading the way. It’s about empowering communities to take action and create solutions that are local, affordable, and sustainable.
Closing the Energy Gap
In Africa, the need, and the potential, is even greater. Despite having huge renewable energy resources, less than 1% of global investment in renewables came to Africa in 2021. At the same time, nearly half of sub-Saharan Africa’s population still lives without electricity.
Hans Olav Ibrekk, speaking at the United Nations, highlighted the urgent need for private investment and stronger local financial systems to support clean energy development across the continent. But beyond infrastructure, we must invest in people, especially young people.
Imagine rural communities powered by solar microgrids or wind energy, built and maintained by local entrepreneurs. It’s not just a dream, it’s already happening. With the right support, African countries can leapfrog over outdated power systems and create a clean, modern energy future.
Nigeria’s recent electrification program is just one example of what’s possible — and young entrepreneurs are stepping up to lead.
Agripreneurs: Powering Communities, Growing Change
At the Agripreneurship Alliance, we believe that young entrepreneurs are key to building a sustainable future, not just for the planet, but for their own communities.
Across Africa, we’ve supported entrepreneurs who are turning agricultural waste into clean energy, such as charcoal from bio-waste or methane capture from animal effluent. These innovations are locally made, sustainable, and practical, and they’re already changing lives.
By building businesses that protect the environment and serve local needs, agripreneurs are creating wealth while doing good. That’s the kind of leadership Earth Day 2025 is all about.
We’re excited to launch our new Entrepreneurship in African Agribusiness course in September 2025, a practical, action-focused program designed to help young entrepreneurs ideate, launch, and grow sustainable agri-based SMEs that can thrive in a changing world.
What You Can Do This Earth Day
Earth Day is more than a celebration, it’s a call to action. Whether you’re educating others, sharing a message online, or talking with your neighbours about clean energy, every small action counts.
Join Earth Action Day this year and be part of a global movement. Organize a local workshop. Host a discussion. Share your ideas. Start a project that creates real, local change.
Together, we can power our planet, and our future.
Learn more and join Earth Day 2025
Sources
UN (2023), Sustainable Renewable Energy Key to Unlocking Developing Countries’ Potential, Achieving Global Goals, ECOSOC/7136
Alex Cawdery
Agripreneurship Alliance
22 April 2025