225 young people are expected to benefit from the Young Africa's solar energy systems skills development initiative.

The organization is busy with presentations to get the buy-in of regional councils in the nine regions that are earmarked to benefit.

Young Africa is a non-profit organization operating in five SADC countries, including Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique.

The beneficiary trainees were selected from nine regions, namely Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Kavango East and West, Kunene, Omaheke, and ||Kharas to undergo a month of training.

Kavango East Governor Bonifatius Wakudumo praised Young Africa for the initiative, saying it could be a life changer for many rural communities.

The organization received funding from GIZ to provide training and create awareness of the benefits of using solar energy, especially in off-grid communities.

Young Africa Country Director Olivia Namkomba says the programme targets young people from underprivileged backgrounds.

Namkomba says a baseline study conducted by her organization found that malfunctioning solar systems have eroded confidence in solar energy.

The project also targets training 66 entrepreneurs operating solar installations and in the marketing sector to equip them with the necessary skills.

Namkomba says the awareness could also benefit the Ministry of Mines and Energy's Solar Revolving Fund, also funded by GIZ.