Digital Pathways for Youth Empowerment in Climate Mitigation and Resilience: Paris Agreement Alignment in Nigeria and Rwanda

Abstract

The Paris Agreement (2015) establishes a global framework for coordinated climate action, focussing on mitigation, adaptation, and capacity building. Article 12 emphasises the importance of education, public participation, and access to information, highlighting the pivotal role of youth in transformative climate governance. This study analyses the convergence of youth empowerment, digitalisation, and the execution of the Paris Agreement in Nigeria and Rwanda. The study assesses the impact of the Agreement's domestication on youth engagement in climate mitigation and resilience, as well as the role of digital governance innovations in improving effectiveness across various national contexts. Grounded in Empowerment Theory, Transformative Governance Theory, and Digital Era Governance, the study employs a qualitative comparative case study design, integrating document analysis and comparative policy review to elucidate contextual differences between Nigeria and Rwanda. The findings indicate that both countries have shown increasing institutional commitment to youth inclusion and digital innovation via initiatives such as Nigeria’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) and Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programmes, along with Rwanda’s Digital Ambassadors Programme (DAP). The effectiveness of these initiatives is influenced by socio-economic inequalities, varying political cultures, and historical legacies that affect policy implementation. Ongoing challenges, such as inadequate Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems, institutional fragmentation, and disparities in digital access, persistently hinder transformative outcomes. The study concludes that aligning the implementation of the Paris Agreement with inclusive digital policies, enhancing inter-ministerial coordination, investing in youth digital competencies, and promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration will improve adaptive governance and facilitate equitable, technology-driven climate transitions in both countries.