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, 2024, is a pivotal event aimed at providing a platform for participants to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices related to climate adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable agriculture. It also seeks to empower youth and women in the agricultural sector and promote climate-resilient food systems across the continent.

The three-day convening, sponsored and implemented by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and AGRA, brings together key stakeholders, including government officials, international and local development partners, private sector partners, enterprise support organizations, and young people and women involved in agribusiness. The event features insightful presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

Delivering the opening remarks of this event was the Managing Director of the Africa Projects Development Centre (APDC), Dr. Chiji Ojukwu. His remarks emphasized the importance of youth empowerment in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture in West Africa. Below is the full speech:

Opening Remarks By:
Dr. Chiji Ojukwu, Managing Director
Africa Projects Development Centre (APDC), Abuja

Distinguished Representatives of Government,
International and Local Development Partners,
Private Sectors Partners,
Enterprise Support Organizations,
Youths and Women in Agribusiness,
Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning and welcome!
 

With a heart full of warmth and optimism, I extend the sincerest greetings from the Board, Management, and Staff of the Africa Projects Development Centre (APDC) to this very important gathering.
 

Today, we gather in the vibrant city of Abuja for the West African Youth Climate and Food Systems Convening. It is my profound honor, alongside the conveners from the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), to welcome each of you—both here in person and those joining us virtually. We gather here today for an important event that aims to highlight innovative opportunities within agricultural and climate/environment sectors for youths - to create jobs and generate income across Africa.
 

As the Managing Director of APDC and immediate past Director of Agriculture and Agro-industry of the African Development Bank (AfDB), I stand before you with immense pride in the collective work that has brought us here today. Like FARA, AGRA, AfDB and other forward-thinking organizations, APDC has tirelessly worked to nurture the potential of Africa’s youth and women. Together, we have empowered youths with the tools and knowledge to lead the charge in climate adaptation, mitigation, and the reimagining of Africa’s food systems. This workshop is a testament to our shared commitment to developing youth-friendly climate policies and fostering resilient agricultural practices that can weather the storms of climate change.
 

Africa is at a critical juncture. Youth unemployment continues to erode human capital, fueling migration, conflict, and diminished living standards. Simultaneously, climate change—the greatest challenge of our time—poses unprecedented threats to our continent. It is not just an environmental issue; it is a social, economic, and moral imperative that demands urgent and decisive action.
 

At APDC, we have contributed to strengthening food systems and building resilience against climate change through our various youths in agribusiness projects sponsored by donor organizations such as the African Development Bank, the European Union, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, among others. These projects involve incubation and training of youths and women in agribusiness as a means to solving the challenges of youth unemployment, low food productivity and climate change. Unemployment in Africa, particularly youth unemployment, is continually reducing human capital potential, causing poorer living conditions, causing high migration rates, conflicts and so on. Similarly, the problem of climate change needs to be addressed urgently as Africa is the most vulnerable continent to climate change impacts. Climate change does not only have natural consequences such as adverse weather conditions and low agricultural yields, it also causes social, health and territorial threats, and increases the factors that cause poverty.

At the Centre, we have chosen to confront these challenges head-on by focusing on urban agriculture and entrepreneurship. Through our Agripreneurs Incubation and Training (AIT) unit, we have demonstrated the transformative power of equipping young minds with practical skills in climate-smart agriculture through urban farming, reducing the logistics needed to deliver food to cities, consequently, production of crops in urban places improves the environment by neutralizing carbon emissions through a reduction in fossil fuels. From soilless sac farming to vertical farming, from collapsible tank fish farming to recirculatory aquaculture systems, we have pioneered innovative techniques that are not only environmentally sustainable but also economically viable.
 

But our mission goes beyond agriculture. We are committed to holistic development—building soft skills, enhancing business acumen, and fostering a mindset of resilience and innovation. Through partnerships with institutions like the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), we ensure that our beneficiaries are well-prepared to thrive in the competitive world of agribusiness, and beyond.
 

To date, we have trained over 2,600 young agripreneurs across Nigeria, especially in FCT Abuja, Lagos, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Plateau States, with nearly 70% of them now fully engaged in their own climate-smart agribusinesses. Our collaboration with IITA, AAIN, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) has seen the incubation of over 450 youth-led MSMEs in Nigeria, DRC, and Uganda. We have also begun expanding our footprint with new offices in Mali and soon in Ghana, further solidifying our commitments to Africa's youth. APDC at six years already employs 55 full-time staff, mainly facilitators, all youths below 35 years, some of whom are attending this workshop. We also conduct professional training for government and project personnel on all aspects of the project cycle. Additionally, we empower young women in the fashion and creative arts industry. So far over 100 women have been so empowered.
 

Agribusiness plays a crucial role in enhancing food systems and climate resilience by investing in climate-resilient technologies such as water-efficient agricultural techniques, pest-resistant and drought-resistant seedlings, and the use of renewable energy-powered processing equipment. 
 

This workshop offers huge support to the agricultural and climate ecosystem as stakeholders will be offered strategic linkages with the broader youth ecosystem. The major outcomes that we expect from this workshop are support to youth and women in the agricultural sector, building capacities in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, as well as supporting the implementation of climate policies across the continent.
 

Throughout this workshop, we will witness the convergence of brilliant minds, industry experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and young innovators, all united by a common goal – to contribute to the development of climate-resilient food systems across West Africa. Let us seize the opportunity to forge lasting connections, nurture groundbreaking initiatives, and chart a course towards a more prosperous and sustainable future for Africa's agricultural sector. Partnership is key. Let us all, including development partners, government, the private sector and NGOs, use the opportunity created by this gathering to network and collaborate for the common goal of developing African agriculture. This workshop holds immense promise, and I am confident that the ideas exchanged, deals brokered, and partnerships formed here will contribute to transformative outcomes that transcend borders and uplift the lives of millions in Africa.
 

I wish you all a wonderful time at the Empowering Youth in Climate Policy and Action Through Strengthened Networks and Platforms for Job Creation Workshop.
 

Thank you.