Growing up in Libreville, the vibrant capital of Gabon, I was surrounded by the bustling energy of a city with nearly 2.2 million inhabitants. My childhood was steeped in culture and warmth, and from an early age, I was captivated by mathematics and science. This passion led me to participate in numerous scientific rallies, known locally as ‘Le Rally Scientifique,’ an annual competition among high schools in the capital. Winning one of these rallies at the age of 13 was a defining moment, significantly boosting my confidence and steering me firmly toward a career in science.
As my academic journey progressed, my interest in science guided me towards electrical engineering. My studies took me to Burkina Faso, where I encountered a familiar issue: unreliable energy supplies. Much like in Gabon, electricity in Burkina Faso was frequently inconsistent. Although many African countries have electricity, it is often unreliable, compelling households and businesses to rely on diesel generators. In fact, some African countries have more off-grid diesel generator capacity than grid capacity, highlighting the strain on resources.
This experience reinforced my determination to explore sustainable and clean energy solutions. My focus on clean energy then led me to City, University of London, where I pursued a Master’s in Renewable Energy and Power System Management. Inspired by the university’s sustainability initiatives, such as its campus recycling efforts, I launched a podcast called For a Prosperous Future to spotlight and promote the exceptional work of students and local communities. Through the Sustainability Campus Programme, I immersed myself in sustainability and the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
In early 2020, I concentrated on covering the annual Sustainability Conference hosted by City, University of London. This platform allowed me to showcase the work and projects of students addressing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. My first episode highlighted innovative student projects from various universities in London, tackling complex issues in creative ways. Although I managed to produce only one episode before the 2020 lockdown, this experience introduced me to topics such as sustainable finance and the impact of climate change on diseases like malaria and dengue fever. The enthusiasm and dedication of these students were profoundly inspiring, turning what began as a personal project into a source of motivation and hope.
Despite my podcasting venture concluding after just one episode, I have retained a sense of purpose and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. I still cherish the joy and pride of those students when we shared the episode featuring a twenty-minute spotlight on their work through the university’s podcast channel. It was a privilege to highlight their efforts and perspectives on sustainability.
Four years on from that enriching experience, I sincerely hope those projects have achieved the impact they were intended to. I highlighted this story because it made me reflect on the immense effort and energy required to turn sustainable practices into reality. Achieving this requires a collective effort, and to succeed for the greater good, we need a genuine and unwavering commitment.
About the Author
André Charles Nzenze holds dual master’s degrees in Renewable Energy Power System Management and Entrepreneurship and Innovation from City, University of London. He is also an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth and works at the High Commission of Gabon.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
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