ICCEF’s 3rd Big Brothers and Sisters Mentorship Session, held on May 16th, 2025, was an eye-opening conversation on the Opportunities within the green tech sector where the jobs and innovation are. Led by one our incredible mentors Gift Muoneke the co-founder and CEO of Greenera Technologies, the session delved into the immense potential of sustainable solutions, the evolving job market, and the skills needed to thrive in this rapidly growing industry.
Gift, an entrepreneur with early business experience in green innovation, spoke passionately about the future of renewable energy and sustainability. He began by highlighting the shift in global energy needs due to climate change, pointing out how the world is benefiting from green technology while others, especially in developing nations, bear the consequences. With Nigeria’s increasing population and electricity demand, the urgency to adopt sustainable practices has never been greater.
One of the core discussions revolved around the definition of green technology and the wealth of opportunities it presents. From waste-to-energy solutions to solar power installations and climate-smart agriculture, it was evident that Africa is sitting on a green goldmine. Millions of solar energy units are imported annually, yet there is a growing demand for auditing and installation services—a gap waiting to be filled by skilled professionals. Similarly, advancements in smart irrigation and AI-powered agricultural solutions could revolutionize farming practices, making them more stable and attractive to investors.
The conversation then shifted to the economic potential of the green sector. With an energy market valued at $9.2 billion, there is massive room for growth. Gift emphasized that organizations such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and ECOWAS are already investing heavily in renewable energy projects. In addition, the concept of carbon credits—where companies are required to compensate for their environmental impact—has created a new revenue stream within the green sector. He pointed to the success of Elon Musk, who earned significant revenue through carbon credits in the electric vehicle market, showing how sustainability can be both ethical and profitable.
Attendees were particularly engaged in the discussion on employment and skills in demand. Gift outlined technical roles such as solar battery systems and energy software development, as well as non-technical roles in sales, project management, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) policies. His advice was simple yet powerful—before aspiring to global impact, one must first identify and solve problems within their immediate community. Finding solutions that resonate locally makes them scalable and attractive to broader markets.
The mentorship session ended with a call to action. Participants were encouraged to assess their employability, gain relevant certifications, and take initiative in exploring opportunities within the green tech space. “Somebody must use you so that you can grow,” Gift reminded everyone, emphasizing that success in this sector requires hands-on experience and collaboration. As the session wrapped up, it was clear that green technology is not just about sustainability—it is an evolving industry filled with untapped potential, waiting for passionate changemakers to step in and drive transformation. The Big Brothers and Sisters mentorship Sessions continues to foster these discussions, providing young innovators with knowledge to shape the future of sustainable development.
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