Nigeria Seeks AUDA-NEPAD Support for Youth and Women

Nigeria has intensified its appeal for support from 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 aimed at expanding economic opportunities for youth and women. This appeal was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during talks with AUDA-NEPAD CEO Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas at the African Union Executive Council Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted that over 70% of Nigeria's population consists of young people, necessitating increased investment in programs to harness this demographic advantage for sustainable economic growth. She urged AUDA-NEPAD to focus on Nigeria for the African Demographic Dividend Programme, which would aid in job creation and entrepreneurship.

The minister also called for enhanced collaboration in women's empowerment and private sector development, emphasizing their importance for Nigeria's economic transformation. She praised AUDA-NEPAD for mobilizing $100 million for the program and reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to supporting the agency.