The West African Youth in Climate Policy and Action for Green Job Creation in Food Systems Convening, currently taking place in Abuja from August 28 to 30, is a pivotal event aimed at empowering youth and women in the agricultural sector and promoting climate-resilient food systems across the continent.

Sponsored by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa - FARA and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the 3-day event brings together key stakeholders, including international and local development partners, private sector partners, enterprise support organizations, and youth and women in agribusiness. Participants are sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices related to climate adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable agriculture.

The Managing Director of the Africa Projects Development Centre (APDC), Dr. Chiji Ojukwu, delivered the opening remarks. He emphasized the critical importance of youth empowerment in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture in West Africa.

Dr. Chiji Ojukwu highlighted APDC's significant impact in empowering young agripreneurs. He announced that APDC has incubated over 2,600 youth across Nigeria, with nearly 70% now running their own climate-smart agribusinesses. Many of these bright minds are participating in this important convening.
 

Addressing the pressing challenges of youth unemployment and climate change in Africa, Dr. Ojukwu stressed APDC's commitment to innovative urban agriculture and entrepreneurship approaches. He highlighted initiatives such as soilless sac farming and recirculatory aquaculture systems and other innovative technologies serving economic and climatic advantages.

He stated that APDC has collaborated with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the African Agribusiness Incubators Network (AAIN), and the African Development Bank Group to incubate over 450 youth-led MSMEs in Nigeria, DRC, and Uganda. New offices in Mali and soon in Ghana will further solidify the centre’s commitment to Africa's youth.

The convening serves as a crucial platform for forging partnerships and nurturing groundbreaking initiatives. Dr. Chiji Ojukwu called on development partners, government entities, and the private sector to collaborate to develop African agriculture and create youth opportunities in climate-smart agribusiness.

Visit http://bit.ly/3X5uGlZ, To read Dr Chiji Ojukwu's entire speech.

As the event continues, participants will work towards developing climate-resilient food systems and empowering youth in climate policy and action across West Africa.