by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – A new international study has revealed that Africa’s shift toward a greener economy could add billions of dollars to city economies and unlock millions of jobs by 2040—transforming not only local industries but also the tourism potential of major urban destinations.
The research, conducted by the Mayors Migration Council, C40 Cities, and the Climate Migration Council, examined six African cities alongside global peers.
It found that with the right investments in skills training and inclusive labour pathways, the green transition could contribute up to $58 billion to these cities and create over 2.1 million jobs.
According to the report, From Shortages to Solutions: Good Green Jobs and Labour Migration in Cities, the opportunities are striking:
Cape Town, South Africa – 404,000 jobs, $11 billion added to the economy.
Durban, South Africa – 331,000 jobs, $9 billion growth, Ekurhuleni, South Africa – 367,000 jobs, $10 billion boost, Johannesburg, South Africa – 491,000 jobs, $14 billion uplift and Nairobi, Kenya – 531,000 jobs, $14 billion increase.
These numbers, analysts say, would not only reduce unemployment but also enhance the attractiveness of these cities for investment, tourism, and global events. Cleaner transport systems, modern infrastructure, and improved waste management are all central to a city’s livability and appeal for international visitors.
However, the report cautions that workforces in these cities are not yet prepared to meet the scale of green job demand.
Without intervention, labour shortages of up to 6 million workers could undermine progress. The study proposes a two-part solution: training existing workers in new skills and removing barriers that prevent migrants from filling remaining gaps.
“Unlocking the economic potential of green jobs requires bold investment in workforce training and political will to attract new talent,” said Vittoria Zanuso, Executive Director of the Mayors Migration Council.
Globally, the report estimates that addressing green job shortages across 25 cities could yield $280 billion in additional economic growth by 2040.
For Africa’s urban hubs, this transformation represents more than economics. Cities like Cape Town, Durban, and Nairobi—already major tourist magnets—stand to gain reputationally as clean, modern, and sustainable destinations.
A stronger green economy would support eco-tourism, reduce pollution, and enhance infrastructure, making these cities even more competitive on the global tourism map.
As climate action intensifies, the green transition may well define not just the future of work in Africa, but also the continent’s global image as a sustainable and welcoming destination.
— CAJ News