Launch of 100,000 SME's for 1 Million Jobs by 2021 Campaign.

The African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, on the margins of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly launched the '100,000 SME's for 1 million Jobs by 2021' campaign at the AU Permanent Observer Mission.

As part of its integrated approach to development in Africa, the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD places special emphasis on harnessing Africa's youthful demographic dividend in line with the African Union Commission Chairperson's '1 million by 2021 Initiative.' The initiative aims to provide concrete opportunities for 1 million young people by the year 2021, in the areas of Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Engagement.

Introducing the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD), Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, the Chief Executive Officer said, AUDA-NEPAD was created through the African Union reforms led by President Paul Kagame, to implement the decisions of the African Union. 'Today, therefore we are here to implement the target of reaching the creation of 1 million jobs by 2021,' Dr Mayaki remarked.

The African population has witnessed a boom, with a population growth rate of 3% per annum. It is expected to continue to rise and reach 362 million young people (aged 15 to 24) by 2050. 'Therefore,' as Dr Mayaki, said, 'The youth populations need to find their space by building their entrepreneurial capacity.'

H.E Amira El Fadil, African Union Commissioner of Social Affairs highlighted the fact that Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are one of the means by which young women and men can have jobs on the continent and thus curb unnecessary migration.

'The work starts here today, with AUDA-NEPAD's launch of the 100,000 SME's by 2021 for young Africans,' said H.E Sarah Mbi Enow Anyang, Commissioner of Human Resources, Science and Technology at the African Union. She added that, 'This is the hope we are giving back to young...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT