Africa is home to the youngest population in the world, with more than 60% of its people recognized as youth under the age of 25. By 2030, one out of every two new entrants into the global labour force will come from the continent. With such a youthful demographic, Africa’s future lies in the hands of its young people, particularly in sectors with high potential for growth and transformation, such as agriculture.
This was evident during the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) Annual Meeting side event titled “Mobilizing Africa’s Agripreneurs: Unleashing the Next Generation of Agricultural Innovators.” The event showcased the transformational impact of the ENABLE Youth Program, an initiative empowering young Africans in agribusiness.
Since its launch in 2016, the ENABLE Youth Program has supported over 100,000 young people across 18 African countries, facilitating the creation of an estimated 240,000 jobs. The program equips youth with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to build sustainable businesses in the agricultural sector.
A proposed expansion, “ENABLE Youth 2.0,” was also discussed at the event. This next phase aims to build on the program’s success by emphasizing inclusive financing, capacity building, climate resilience, and stronger market linkages. It aligns with the AfDB’s Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033), which places youth at the center of Africa’s agricultural and economic transformation.
According to Dr. Beth Dunford, AfDB Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, agriculture offers the most scalable and immediate solutions for youth employment on the continent.
“That’s why the African Development Bank launched the ENABLE Youth Program in 2016. We knew that if we could support young people to become agri-preneurs, they would build businesses that not only feed Africa but also employ millions,” said Dr. Dunford.
One of the highlights of the event was the story of Xavier, an Ivorian entrepreneur who began his snack food business with just $100. Today, he runs a multinational company producing a popular brand of potato chips.
Xavier credits his success to the ENABLE Youth Program, particularly the AgriPitch competition, which offers business development training, mentorship, and exposure to potential investors.
Xavier emerged as a winner in the AgriPitch competition two years ago, securing $25,000 in seed funding. He shared his journey with attendees:
“Thanks to the Bank’s AgriPitch competition, we were able to modernize our production, reach 150 points of sale in Côte d’Ivoire, and establish a presence in four countries,” he said.
Since then, his workforce has grown to 26 employees, 80% of whom are women. His company now processes 50 tons of potato chips annually.
Xavier’s story is just one example of how strategic investment in Africa’s youth can create ripple effects across economies. With more support and innovative initiatives like ENABLE Youth, Africa’s next generation of agricultural innovators is poised to lead the continent toward a self-sufficient, prosperous future.
