On Thursday, December 4, 2025, Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Richard Gyan-Mensah, joined young innovators and industry leaders at the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) 2025, held alongside the West Africa Energy Summit. He served as Special Guest of Honour
The event showcased the passion, ingenuity, and determination of young people who are already influencing the direction of West Africa’s energy landscape. Their contributions highlighted how youth-driven innovation is becoming an essential force in the sector.
Despite the region’s ongoing challenges, West Africa continues to demonstrate resilience and a forward-looking spirit. Ghana’s economic rebound, energy sector reforms, and bold transition agenda are clear examples of what is possible when strategic vision meets committed leadership. Across the sub-region, new opportunities in clean energy, digital transformation, and regional power integration are rapidly emerging.
Addressing the participants, the Deputy Minister emphasized that young people are not just the future—they are key actors shaping the present. Their ideas, innovations, and leadership will be vital in building a greener, smarter, and more interconnected continent.
YES — the youth have the power to illuminate Africa.