Education and job fair highlights energy efficiency as pathway to skills and jobs in Mauritius

Energy efficiency is emerging as a key opportunity for both economic resilience and employment in Mauritius, as students, professionals and institutions gathered at the Education and Job Fair for Energy Efficiency at the University of Mauritius this week. Co-organized by the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities, the Energy Efficiency Management Office (EEMO), the University of Mauritius and the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, the one-day event brought together education providers, Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) and public institutions to showcase career and training opportunities across the rapidly growing energy efficiency sector. Opening the event, Patrick Gervais Assirvaden, Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, underlined why energy efficiency has become a national priority.

“Energy security is no longer an abstract notion for Mauritius – it has become a daily concern, touching our economy, our social stability and our national sovereignty.”

With electricity demand rising and pressure on the grid increasing, improving how energy is used is now seen as one of the fastest and most cost-effective responses in Mauritius.

Local skills needed for energy transition

Beyond its climate and energy benefits, speakers highlighted the sector’s strong employment potential. From installers and technicians to engineers, auditors and finance specialists, energy efficiency is expected to generate a wide range of skilled jobs in the coming years. The Minister stressed that “In two to three years, Mauritius will need thousands of skilled installers and technicians” adding that “this energy transition will only succeed if we build strong local skills and create real career pathways for our youth.” The job fair featured presentations on Energy Performance Contracting and the role of ESCOs, as well as exchanges between students and training institutions offering technical, commercial and financial programmes linked to energy efficiency. Participants also heard from companies already active in the sector, sharing practical insights into career development and market needs.

Strengthening the ESCO market

The event forms part of a broader project supported by the Mitigation Action Facility, where UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre is assisting to scale up energy efficiency investments. The project focuses on strengthening the ESCO market through improved financing mechanisms, risk-sharing instruments and capacity development, helping to unlock private investment while building a skilled national workforce. By connecting policy ambition with education and employment, the Education and Job Fair demonstrated how energy efficiency can support Mauritius’ development goals — reducing energy costs and emissions while creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation.