The Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF) recently participated in a high-level stakeholder consultation organized by the African Development Bank in Abuja, focused on the development of the Youth, Skills, and Jobs Action Plan (2027–2033). The consultation brought together key development actors to shape strategies aimed at improving youth employment outcomes across Africa.
During the engagement, AYGF made a strong case for a strategic shift in approach—from focusing solely on “training” to prioritizing “job creation.” The organization emphasized that while skills development remains important, it must be directly linked to sustainable income opportunities that can meaningfully improve the livelihoods of young people in Nigeria and beyond.
AYGF also highlighted the importance of grounding policy and program design in local realities. In particular, the organization drew attention to systemic barriers such as insecurity and fragmented program delivery, which continue to limit the effectiveness of youth employment initiatives. Addressing these challenges, AYGF noted, is essential to ensuring that interventions are both practical and impactful.
The consultation served as an important platform for collaboration, bringing together diverse perspectives to strengthen the design of scalable, field-based interventions. AYGF stressed the need for approaches that move beyond classroom-based training and instead support real-world economic participation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.
Through this engagement, AYGF reaffirmed its commitment to working with the African Development Bank and other partners to ensure that investments in youth development translate into tangible opportunities. The shared goal remains clear: to build systems that not only equip young people with skills but also connect them directly to meaningful and lasting economic pathways.
As planning for the 2027–2033 Action Plan continues, AYGF remains dedicated to contributing evidence-based insights and grassroots perspectives that help shape a more inclusive and opportunity-driven future for Africa’s youth.
