{ "background": "This commentary examines gender disparities in access to renewable energy technologies among youth living in Zambia’s informal cities.", "purposeandobjectives": "The purpose is to analyse and highlight differences in access to renewable energy technologies between male and female youths, focusing on urban settings where infrastructure challenges are prevalent.", "methodology": "A qualitative research approach was employed to gather insights from focus group discussions (FGDs) and semi-structured interviews with 30 youth participants aged 15-24 years. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.", "keyinsights": "$\text{Proportion of female youths accessing solar-powered lamps:} 60\% \pm 5\%$", "conclusion": "The results indicate significant gender disparities in access to renewable energy technologies, with a notable difference observed among urban youth. This highlights the need for targeted interventions.", "recommendations": "Policy recommendations include promoting community-led initiatives and integrating gender-sensitive education programmes into existing renewable energy projects.", "keywords": "youth, renewable energy, informal cities, Zambia", "contribution_statement": "This study introduces a novel approach to understanding gender gaps in urban youth access to renewable technologies by utilising FGDs as the primary data collection method." } --- Background This commentary examines gender disparities in access to renewable energy technologies among youth living in Zambia’s informal cities. Purpose and Objectives The purpose is to analyse and highlight differences in access to renewable energy technologies between male and female youths, focusing on urban settings where infrastructure challenges are prevalent. Methodology A qualitative research approach was employed to gather insights from focus group discussions (FGDs) and semi-structured interviews with 30 youth participants aged 15-24 years. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Key Insights $\text{Proportion of female youths accessing solar-powered lamps:} 60\% \pm 5\%$ This study reveals significant gender disparities in access to renewable energy technologies, with a notable difference observed among