The African Development Bank (AfDB) recently concluded a three-day workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, aimed at enhancing its Empowering Novel Agri-Business-Led Employment (ENABLE) Youth Program for its forthcoming phase.
The ENABLE Youth initiative facilitates access to financing for young African entrepreneurs to develop their enterprises. Presently operational in 15 countries, with investments exceeding $490 million, and benefiting approximately 40,000 youths, the program has emerged as a significant catalyst for entrepreneurship and youth employment alleviation.
Conducted from April 3rd to 5th, 2024, the workshop enabled AfDB staff to evaluate the program’s progress and glean insights for future endeavors within the Regional Member Countries. Participants, numbering around 45, comprised AfDB staff overseeing ENABLE Youth projects, government officials coordinating these initiatives, beneficiary youth entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from development and private sectors.
According to Ms. Nnenna Nwabufo, Director General for East Africa at the African Development Bank, the move is instrumental and pivotal for amplifying the role of youth in advancing agriculture on the African continent.
Ms. Nwabufo remarked, “Africa possesses the capacity to feed itself, yet we continue to import food from external sources. Through empowering Africa’s youth, this program is reshaping that narrative. It has exhibited the potential to stimulate economic growth, create opportunities for young Africans, and drive sustainable development.”
Ms Millicent Omukaga, Principal Policy Analyst at the Bank, stressed the importance of skills development and job creation in leveraging Africa’s demographic dividend. She advocated for a renewed emphasis on entrepreneurship and private-sector involvement in future iterations of the program.
Dr. Martin Fregene, Director for Agriculture and Agro-industry at the Bank, highlighted agriculture’s role in unlocking Africa’s economic potential and empowering its youth. “By equipping them with requisite skills, technologies, resources, and support, we can harness the demographic dividend, transforming the agricultural sector into a more efficient and competitive driver of inclusive growth and prosperity,” Fregene stated.
Dr. Damian Ihedioha, Manager for Agro-Industry and Agribusiness, emphasized the necessity of addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting youth agripreneurs. “Moving forward, holistic approaches are essential, tackling entry barriers, facilitating access to finance, and establishing market linkages to ensure the sustained success of youth-led agribusiness ventures,” he reiterated.
Edson Mpyisi, Chief Financial Economist and ENABLE Youth Coordinator underscored the collaborative essence of the program’s achievements, stressing the importance of reinforced partnerships and collective efforts to maximize its impact.
The workshop concluded with a commitment to perpetuate an enabling environment for youth empowerment, incubation, access to finance, and digitalization to foster sustainable development throughout the continent.
