Insight article: The BGFA job creation and skills development sub-programme
BGFA has implemented a Job creation and skills development sub-programme in Uganda as a transformative initiative to address two critical challenges in Uganda: first, limited energy access for the Ugandan people, and second, the need for gender-inclusive job creation, including more women. With only 47 per cent of Uganda’s population having access to electricity in 2022, the programme targeted capacity building in the off-grid solar energy sector to accelerate rural electrification, while fostering local employment and gender inclusion at the same time.
This initiative forms a vital part of BGFA’s broader mission to expand energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa. BGFA has implemented the sub-programme in collaboration with the Renewables Academy (RENAC), Inensus, and Ugandan partners, including Sendea UG. The participants were primarily invited from the BGFA investees, but the programme was also open for other stakeholders in the off-grid solar sector.
By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-7 and SDG-5), the programme emphasises affordable, reliable and sustainable energy solutions alongside gender equality as drivers of fair economic progress and sustainable development. It also indirectly supports energy service providers in creating local jobs in Uganda’s off-grid energy sector, particularly for women.
Objectives and implementation
The BGFA Uganda Skills development programme was designed with clear objectives to strengthen the solar energy sector:
A core focus of the programme was to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in Uganda’s off-grid energy sector. Participants received comprehensive training in a variety of technical areas, including the installation, operation and maintenance of solar home systems (SHS) and mini-grids. This technical foundation was complemented by training in business operations and sales capabilities, providing participants with a well-rounded skill set to enhance their employability and effectiveness in the sector.
Another key priority was the promotion of gender inclusion within the solar energy market. The programme set an ambitious target to achieve at least 30 per cent female participation, ensuring that women were not only included but empowered to take on leadership roles in their future careers.
Specialised training modules were developed to address the unique challenges faced by women, equipping them with the tools and confidence needed to excel in a historically male-dominated industry.
To ensure the sustainability of these efforts and the whole programme, the programme introduced Train-the-trainer initiatives and group activities aimed at building a self-sustaining network of skilled professionals. These initiatives focused on developing trainers who could pass on their expertise to others, thereby amplifying the programme’s impact and creating a long-term organisational ecosystem of knowledge and skills within the off-grid energy sector.
Key outcomes and achievements
After its two years and different phases of design and implementation, the Job creation and skills development programme achieved notable successes while offering valuable insights:
- Exceeding participation goals
Over 300 individuals participated in the programme, with 32 per cent being women – exceeding gender inclusion targets. The diverse participation included BGFA investees’ staff, independent professionals and external stakeholders, fostering knowledge exchange and cross-sectoral impact.
- Comprehensive skill building
Hands-on training sessions bridged the gap between theory and practice, enhancing participant confidence in real-world applications. Topics like solar home systems (SHS) troubleshooting and mini-grid software monitoring prepared participants for roles that require both technical and managerial expertise.
- Empowering women
The programme’s gender inclusion strategy included women-led training modules and targeted outreach to increase female participation. Women’s representation in technical and managerial roles grew, showcasing the sector’s potential to drive gender equity. Initiatives, such as the Women in Solar Business Train-the-Trainers, further highlighted the importance of mentorship and leadership development.
- Alignment with BGFA objectives and SDGs
The programme’s alignment with BGFA’s main objectives and the SDGs underscores its strategic significance:
- SDG-7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): By strengthening Uganda’s off-grid solar sector solutions and business opportunities, particularly solar home systems and solar mini-grids, the programme directly supports the expansion of reliable and sustainable energy access in underserved regions.
- SDG-5 (Gender Equality): Through targeted outreach, women-centric modules, an important role for women in conducting training and leadership training, the initiative contributes to a more equitable and gender-inclusive renewable energy workforce.
BGFA objectives: The programme complements BGFA’s mission to create employment opportunities and foster a sustainable energy ecosystem in Uganda by training both the Energy Service Providers and further energy professionals in the country.
Recommendations on next steps
Building on the programme’s successes, several future actions have been identified to ensure its continued impact:
- It is recommended that gender-specific training modules and mentorship opportunities be expanded to sustain and increase women’s participation in the solar energy sector. By targeting women-centric initiatives, the programme can further empower female professionals and foster leadership development in areas traditionally dominated by men.
- Another crucial step is to broaden the programme’s geographic reach. Establishing training hubs in remote regions would ensure equitable access to capacity-building opportunities for participants from rural and underserved areas. This expanded accessibility would help bridge the gap between urban and rural energy workforce development. This is also applicable and replicable in other BGFA focal countries.
- Knowledge sharing and collaboration also remain essential for maximising the programme’s impact. Disseminating best practices and outcomes through regional partnerships, workshops and knowledge products will promote continuous learning and innovation within the sector. Such efforts will help replicate the programme’s successes across other contexts.
- Finally, strengthening public-private partnerships is integral to sustaining the programme’s momentum. By fostering collaborations with the BGFA investees, governments and donor agencies, the initiative can amplify resource allocation and enhance its overall impact. These partnerships will be key to building a resilient and inclusive energy ecosystem in Uganda.
Conclusion
The BGFA Uganda Skills development programme serves as a blueprint for advancing energy access and empowerment in developing nations. By combining technical excellence with gender inclusion, it has significantly contributed to Uganda’s off-grid electrification goals and to promoting a skilled and more diverse workforce. This initiative exemplifies how capacity-building programmes can drive sustainable development, foster innovation and create more inclusive societies.
As the programme concludes, its achievements and lessons provide a strong foundation for scaling similar initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa, paving the way for a greener and fairer energy future.
Written by Rafael Juan Martí, Project Director and Trainer at Renewables Academy AG (RENAC)
More information about the implemented Job creation and skills development programme:
- Read the news release about the programme outcome
- Watch a summary video from the training courses in Uganda
- Download a summary of the final outcome report
- Read more about the completed trainings on RENAC’s website
Photo: Award ceremony for participants taking part in Uganda’s Job creation and skills development programme – Renac for BGFA