Youths are Africa’s greatest asset. Africa’s youth population is rapidly growing and expected to double to over 830 million by 2050. If properly harnessed, this increase in the working age population could support increased productivity and stronger, more inclusive economic growth across the continent. But today, the majority of youth in Africa do not have stable economic opportunities. Of Africa’s nearly 420 million youth aged 15-35, one-third are unemployed and discouraged, another third are vulnerably employed. Youth have double the unemployment rate of adults, with variation by country. In Nigeria, about 53.40 percent of youths are unemployed, according to the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS) 2022. Fifty-three percent of 151 million Nigerian youths are over 80 million unemployed. There is therefore an urgent need to create employment opportunities for youth, with tremendous potential impact. YAF aims to create employment and economic opportunities for youth and increase their participation in the green economy. Our focus is on creating digital jobs, green jobs and facilitating youth entry into agricultural value chains.
Implementation of the Niger Delta Youth Employment Pathways (NDYEF) in Akwa Ibom State
Funded by PIND Foundation, YAF implemented the Niger Delta Youth Employment Pathways (NDYEF) project in Akwa Ibom State aimed at addressing the high youth unemployment rate in the region. This program focused on equipping young people with market-relevant skills in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and ICT. Through a series of training sessions, mentorship, and job placement opportunities, the NDYEF project successfully enabled many youths to secure gainful employment and start their own businesses. The program’s success is evident in the increased employment rates and the growing number of youth-led enterprises contributing to the local economy.
Financial management training for Youths with Junior Achievement Nigeria
In collaboration with Junior Achievement Nigeria, financial management training was provided to youths. This initiative aimed to enhance financial literacy and management skills among young people, preparing them to make informed financial decisions and manage resources effectively. The training covered essential topics such as budgeting, savings, investment, and entrepreneurship. As a result, participants demonstrated improved financial behaviors, with many starting to save regularly and invest in small-scale businesses. This program has played a crucial role in promoting economic independence and stability among the youth in the state.
Funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with Stakeholder Democracy Nigeria, this training program has successfully trained 300 women so far. The impact of this training is already evident, with many participants reporting increased online visibility and sales for their businesses. Additionally, the initiative has fostered a supportive network of female entrepreneurs who continue to collaborate and share knowledge, contributing to a more vibrant and inclusive digital economy in Akwa Ibom State. The ongoing training for the remaining participants promises to further strengthen the entrepreneurial landscape and promote economic empowerment among women in the region.
Google skills training for 506 youths
Google skills training was provided to 506 youths, focusing on enhancing their digital literacy and employability. This training covered a range of digital skills, including online marketing, data analysis, and web development. The program aimed to equip participants with the necessary tools to thrive in the digital age and improve their employment prospects. The outcomes have been remarkable, with many participants securing jobs in tech-related fields and others using their new skills to boost their entrepreneurial ventures. This training has not only increased digital literacy among the youth but also contributed to the overall economic development of the state by fostering a more skilled and competitive workforce.
We are a youth focused civil society organization with a brand identity for innovative programming. Our identity encapsulates our unwavering commitment to empowering youths to drive change in their communities and nationally.
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