Togo: AED and SAER Partner to Boost Youth Employment in Renewable Energy Sector

New Partnership to Empower Togolese Youth

Lomé, Togo – The Education Development Agency (AED) of Togo and the Synergy of Renewable Energy Actors (SAER) formalized a significant three-year partnership on Friday, November 7, aimed at preparing young Togolese for careers in the renewable energy sector. This collaboration seeks to strengthen cooperation and align training with the evolving demands of the job market, supporting Togo's broader energy transition goals.

The agreement was signed in Lomé, marking a strategic move to address youth employment challenges and foster a skilled workforce for sustainable development.

Key Pillars of the Collaboration

The formalized partnership outlines several crucial areas of cooperation designed to create a robust pipeline of talent for the renewable energy industry. These include:

• The creation of initial and continuing training programs specifically tailored to the needs of the renewable energy market.
• The provision of hands-on internships for trainees from the IFAD Renewable Energy Center within SAER member companies, facilitating their transition into the workforce.
• The implementation of work-study programs to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
• Initiatives to build the skills of trainers and company mentors, ensuring high-quality instruction and guidance.
• SAER's participation in the governance of the IFAD Renewable Energy Center, integrating industry perspectives directly into educational planning.
• Provision of technical assistance and equipment support to enhance the quality of training and bolster the development of Togo's renewable energy sector.

Statements from Leadership

Dammipi Noupokou, Director-General of AED, emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement, stating, 'This agreement reflects our goal to bridge training and employment.' He added, 'Our ambition is to build a more dynamic environment to prepare young people for future jobs and support the country's energy transition.'

Serge Adote, Chairman of SAER's Board of Directors, highlighted that the partnership would enable SAER to deepen its involvement in the activities of the IFAD Renewable Energy Center, particularly through 'innovative and ambitious programs starting in 2026.' Mr. Adote assumed his role as Chairman on March 28, 2025.

Background and Future Outlook

The Education Development Agency (AED), a parapublic entity established by decree on May 30, 2018, is responsible for creating and managing Instituts de Formation en Alternance pour le Développement (IFADs), which offer professional training aligned with national development priorities. SAER, founded on April 2, 2021, unites various actors in Togo's renewable energy sub-sector, including companies, NGOs, and associations, to coordinate efforts and promote partnerships. SAER has seen significant growth, expanding from 10 to 38 members since its inception.

This partnership builds upon several years of prior collaboration between AED and SAER, which included supporting the IFAD Renewable Energy Center in developing professional and training standards. The formalized agreement is expected to significantly contribute to reducing youth unemployment in Togo by equipping young people with the necessary skills for the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.