Testimonials
Voices from the Summit
YES! brings together passionate youth and committed partners to drive real impact in Africa’s energy transition. On this page, you’ll find reflections from some of the summit’s most engaged participants—ranging from sponsors helping to shape the future of energy, to young professionals whose careers and ventures have been transformed through the platform.
Explore their stories and hear, in their own words, what the Youth Energy Summit has meant to them.
Hear from our Sponsors

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Still buzzing from the energy at YES! 2025 in Cape Town ⚡🌍
As a proud member of Siemens Energy I couldn’t be more inspired watching 6,000+ young minds take charge of their future, learning, connecting, and exploring real solutions for decarbonization.
Our gamified Transition Mission wasn’t just fun, it sparked real dialogue on the challenges of the energy transition. We played 8 games with more than 200 participants stepped into the shoes of energy decision-makers, making choices that impact people, planet, and progress. Madhubanti Basu 👏🏽👏🏽
This is how we build the future: one informed, empowered young leader at a time. 💡💪🏽
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It was a truly mind-opening and mind-blowing experience for the GENESIS team — a powerful platform to connect with and be inspired by the vibrant, emerging talent across Africa. These young leaders are poised to shape the future of the energy sector, and it was an absolute blessing for us to engage, learn, and contribute to this transformative journey.
—Michelle Okoyomo, Vice President, Client Coverage, Genesis Energy

Hear from our Alumni

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I had the privilege of moderating a vibrant panel where we delved into policy innovation, sustainable finance, and community-based clean energy solutions. What stood out was the creative approaches emerging from the grassroots—especially when young leaders are given the space to lead.
My biggest takeaway? We need to listen to local voices, co‑create solutions with communities, and ensure sustainability isn’t something done to people—but with them. Youth are not just the future—they’re the agents of change today.
Thanks to EnergyNet Ltd., the YES! team, and every participant who turned ideas into action. The journey to transform our planet continues—but it’s clear: our youth are leading the way.
#ClimateAction #Sustainability #YouthLeadership #YES2025 #CapeTown #CleanEnergy #SustainablePolicy
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I was honoured to take part in the Youth Energy Summit (YES 2025) in Cape Town, where we engaged in inspiring discussions on renewable energy, climate resilience, and pathways to just energy transitions.
From interactive workshops to expert panels, the summit ignited ideas and forged connections between young leaders, industry innovators, and policy advocates.
It was especially empowering to explore the role of youth in driving clean energy innovation, sustainable development, and policy reform across the continent. I’m energized by the talent and passion I witnessed—and ready to turn these insights into tangible action.
#YouthEnergySummit #YES25 #RenewableEnergy #ClimateAction #YouthLeadership #AfricaEnergyTransition #SustainableFuture

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Hear from the Youth

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I had a privilege of attending the Youth Energy Summit on the 18th, 19th and 20th of June 2025 where passionate young minds came together to explore energy justice, sustainability and climate change. The conversations, insights, and opportunities for growth were truly inspiring.
The summit provided a valuable platform to engage with industry professionals and deepen my understanding of the critical role each of these organisations play in shaping and improving South Africa’s energy sector.
I had an opportunity to attend a session with Mr Manqoba Zungu where he was talking about entrepreneurship, he was talking about how to Sell your ideas, Pitch for funding and grow your business.
Key takeaways for me:
1. Success is sweetest when shared and as we rise we should lift others up.
2. Importance of Networking
3. Always find things that make you unique and do not be afraid to use them.
4. Don’t feel under pressure to be seen like someone who knows it all.
5. There is a large potential in renewable energy to drive job creation, equity and innovation across the globe.
6. As a woman you should always raise your hand up high – Dzunani Makgopa. Leadership is about showing up, speaking out, and believing in your impact.
MAKHUTSO EDITH MALOMANE
Asakhe Gama
KWANELE KHANYE
Tabile Ntshele
#YouthEnergySummit2025 #CleanEnergy #JustTransition #YouthLeadership #Sustainability #YES2025 #NedbankCIB #EnergyForChange #YouthDevelopment

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✨ Last week I had the amazing opportunity to attend the YES! 2025 Youth Energy Summit at CTICC! Over the 3 days, I got to sit in rooms filled with purpose-driven young people, seasoned professionals, and organisations all working toward transforming Africa’s energy landscape, and I walked away with so much more than just notes. A few moments that stood out:
🔹 The YES Alumni Success Stories showed what happens when opportunity meets preparation. It was powerful to see how past delegates turned insights and connections from YES into real ventures, global scholarships, and game-changing projects.
🔹 The AI & Innovation in the Energy Sector session opened up a whole new perspective for me. Hearing from people like Jabu Mtsweni and Joseph Lumbahe made it clear how fast the line between data science, AI, and energy is thinning.
🔹 I made the most of the recruitment sessions with Eskom, DBSA, Nedbank CIB, RMB, and Standard Bank Group, which gave practical insight into how organisations are thinking about graduate talent.
🔹 The session on Energy-Intensive Users of the Future taught me how data and design are reshaping infrastructure through companies like DCDesign.Africa led by Heath Andersen.
🔹 The session on Green Careers in the Energy Economy, hosted by Power for All, offered perspective on careers at the intersection of sustainability and tech—especially from Gabriel van Wyk.
🔹 Workshops like Harambee’s “Pathways to Success” and Stefan Jacques Eksteen’s mindset session reminded me that technical ability is only one side of the story—how you think and lead matters just as much.
Grateful to have been part of a summit that not only informed but also inspired. Thank you to YES! and EnergyNet Ltd. for creating this space and bringing so many powerful voices together.
