The African Development Bank recently wrapped up a productive three-day workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, dedicated to enhancing its Empowering Novel Agri-Business-Led Employment (ENABLE) Youth Program for its forthcoming phase. This initiative aims to assist young African men and women in securing financing to expand their enterprises. Currently operational in 15 countries with investments surpassing $490 million and benefiting approximately 40,000 youths, the program stands as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and combating youth unemployment.
Held from April 3rd to 5th, 2024, the workshop provided an opportunity for Bank staff to evaluate the program’s advancements and glean valuable insights for future endeavors across Regional Member Countries. Attended by about 45 participants, including Bank personnel overseeing ENABLE Youth projects, government officials coordinating these initiatives, beneficiary youth agripreneurs, as well as development and private sector partners.
Ms. Nnenna Nwabufo, Director General for East Africa at the African Development Bank, emphasized the crucial role of youth in advancing Africa’s agricultural sector. She expressed, “Africa has the capacity to feed itself, yet we rely on food imports. Through empowering Africa’s youth, the Program is reshaping this narrative, showcasing its potential to fuel economic growth, create opportunities for young Africans, and drive sustainable development.”
Millicent Omukaga, Principal Policy Analyst at the Bank, stressed the necessity of skill development and job creation to leverage Africa’s demographic dividend. She called for renewed emphasis on entrepreneurship and private sector involvement in future extensions of the program.
Dr. Martin Fregene, Director for Agriculture and Agro-industry at the Bank, highlighted agriculture’s pivotal role in unlocking Africa’s economic potential and empowering its youth. “By equipping them with essential skills, technologies, resources, and support, we can harness the demographic dividend and transform the agricultural sector into a more efficient and competitive domain, fostering inclusive growth and prosperity,” Fregene remarked.
Dr. Damian Ihedioha, Manager for Agro-Industry and Agribusiness, emphasized the need to address the multifaceted challenges encountered by youth agripreneurs. He stressed the adoption of holistic approaches that tackle entry barriers, facilitate access to finance, and establish market linkages to ensure sustained success for youth-led agribusiness ventures.
Edson Mpyisi, Chief Financial Economist and ENABLE Youth Coordinator, highlighted the collaborative nature of the program’s achievements, emphasizing the importance of bolstering partnerships and collective efforts to amplify its impact.
The workshop concluded with a commitment to continue cultivating an enabling ecosystem for youth empowerment, incubation, access to finance, and digitalization to drive sustainable development across the continent.
