Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, Uganda’s Minister of State for Mineral Development, launched the inaugural Youth Energy Summit Uganda (YES 2025) at the Mestil Hotel, Kampala. The summit, organized by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), brings together young leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from the energy sector to address the critical role of youth in shaping Uganda’s energy future.
In her opening speech, Hon. Nyamutoro emphasized that Uganda is at a pivotal moment in its energy journey. As the country strives towards achieving universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services, the minister underscored the increasing importance of youth engagement. “The role of the youth is more crucial than ever,” she remarked, highlighting that the energy sector is not just about access but also about innovation and sustainability.
The Youth Energy Summit is a platform for young people to engage in meaningful dialogue, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions to address the country’s energy challenges. Hon. Nyamutoro described the event as a “launchpad for innovation, collaboration, and bold ambition,” signaling the government’s commitment to creating an inclusive energy transition that taps into the potential of the youth.
The summit comes at a time when Uganda is ramping up its efforts to diversify its energy mix and accelerate the transition to clean, renewable energy sources. With the energy sector playing a vital role in driving economic growth, youth participation is seen as key to driving change, fostering innovation, and creating new opportunities in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
Throughout the summit, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and students are engaging in discussions on renewable energy solutions, digital innovation in the energy sector, and the role of youth in advancing climate action. The event also includes workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to contribute to Uganda’s energy future.
As part of the summit’s goals, ERA and other partners are looking to inspire young people to explore careers in energy, particularly in the renewable sector, where there is significant potential for job creation. With a growing need for skilled professionals in energy infrastructure, technology, and policy development, the summit is part of Uganda’s broader strategy to harness the power of youth to help achieve its energy goals.
The Youth Energy Summit (YES 2025) is expected to foster a deeper connection between the youth and the energy sector, promoting awareness and action that aligns with Uganda’s national development plans, such as the National Development Plan III and Vision 2040. The government’s focus on young talent aims to build the capacity of the future workforce, ensuring that Uganda’s energy sector remains dynamic and responsive to evolving challenges.
The event is a significant step towards realizing Uganda’s energy vision and empowering the youth to be at the forefront of this transformative journey. The enthusiasm and ideas shared during YES 2025 will likely contribute to shaping the next phase of Uganda’s energy sector development, advancing the country’s sustainable energy goals and ensuring that the youth play an active role in this growth.
With the summit’s success, the hope is that Uganda will continue to strengthen its energy landscape, using the creativity, innovation, and ambition of its young people to achieve the nation’s long-term energy vision.
