By:
Kanto Kai Okanta
South
Africa’s drive toward a sustainable and inclusive green economy took centre
stage as the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, in collaboration
with the Green Youth Network, convened the 11th Annual Green Youth Indaba at
Sun City Resort.
The
two-day gathering brought together young innovators, entrepreneurs,
policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, development partners, and
environmental practitioners to explore pathways for strengthening youth
participation in South Africa’s green economy agenda.
Held
on June 18 and 19, the Indaba forms part of broader national efforts to advance
the country’s Just Transition and accelerate green growth objectives. Central
to the discussions was the growing importance of integrating youth into the
National System of Innovation (NSI), which policymakers say is critical to
ensuring that innovation systems remain inclusive, responsive, and
future-oriented.
During
the first day of proceedings, participants engaged in in-depth deliberations on
circular economy strategies, with particular attention to how resource
efficiency and sustainable production models can be scaled across sectors.
Discussions also highlighted the economic and developmental implications of
water security, a pressing challenge in the context of climate variability and
increasing demand pressures.
Industry
collaboration emerged as a key theme, with stakeholders emphasizing the need
for stronger partnerships between government, the private sector, academia, and
civil society to unlock opportunities for youth-led innovation. Participants
argued that such collaboration is essential for translating policy frameworks
into practical, scalable solutions.
The
programme also featured breakaway sessions designed to foster intergenerational
dialogue and deepen engagement on targeted solutions. These sessions focused on
youth-driven innovation in agribusiness and waste beneficiation, with
participants exploring practical approaches to converting environmental
challenges into economic opportunities.
The
Indaba continues to position itself as a strategic platform for nurturing the
next generation of environmental leaders, while reinforcing South Africa’s
commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven green
economy.
