Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has pledged its support to Burkina Faso’s youth by approving a $39.2 million loan to bolster skill development and resilience. The funds will be channeled towards a multisectoral project aimed at equipping young people, particularly women, with the tools to overcome the challenges posed by the country’s protracted security crisis.
The loan package, comprising a $13.2 million contribution from the African Development Fund and $26 million from the Transition Support Facility, is designed to create a ripple effect across the nation. It is anticipated that at least 20,000 jobs will be generated, with an indirect positive impact on 175,000 individuals.
A cornerstone of the project is vocational training, with 61,830 people slated to benefit. Additionally, 800 young entrepreneurs will receive support, while 35 training centers are set to be equipped and upgraded. To further stimulate youth-led initiatives, the project will finance 1,200 youth and 2,000 women-led enterprises. In a bid to promote food security and rural development, 1,000 poultry farms and 1,000 small ruminant pens will be constructed.
Beyond economic empowerment, the project incorporates a strong focus on human development. Curricula on human rights, peacebuilding, and climate resilience will be integrated into the training programs.
Daniel Ndoye, the AfDB’s Country Manager in Burkina Faso, highlighted the project’s timeliness, considering the country’s socio-economic and security challenges. “By creating decent jobs and providing access to essential social services, this initiative will significantly reduce youth vulnerability,” Ndoye stated.
The project also addresses the specific needs of internally displaced persons, particularly students at Koudougou University. Over 1,000 students will receive computers to facilitate distance learning.
