Nigeria Seeks AUDA-NEPAD Support for Youth Empowerment

Nigeria has urged the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) to prioritize the country in implementing the African Demographic Dividend Programme and other initiatives focused on expanding economic opportunities for youth and women. This appeal was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during a bilateral meeting with AUDA-NEPAD CEO Ms Nardos Bekele-Thomas on July 27-28, 2023, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized the necessity of increased investment in youth-focused programs due to Nigeria's youthful population. She reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to strengthening its partnership with AUDA-NEPAD to unlock economic opportunities and accelerate sustainable development.

The minister also advocated for enhanced support for women empowerment and private sector development. She commended AUDA-NEPAD for mobilizing $100 million for the African Demographic Dividend Programme and praised Bekele-Thomas for her leadership in advancing the agency's mandate.

Bekele-Thomas welcomed Nigeria's renewed commitment and expressed AUDA-NEPAD's readiness to support Nigeria's development priorities.