Engaging African youths and incorporating entrepreneurship for green economic growth is crucial for sustainable development amid economic and societal uncertainty. Africa faces increased instability due to political turnovers and climate change impacts, intensifying uncertainty. The continent’s youth population is projected to reach 850 million by 2050. Concurrently, youth unemployment in Sub-Saharan Africa reaches 70-80%.
Perceived as a low-barrier option (no perquisites on experience, unrestricted access to starting venture) many young people turn to entrepreneurship for employment. These conditions promote entrepreneurship but also contribute to their high failure rate.
Nevertheless, the African Youth Green-preneurs are resilient and determined. In a world full of uncertainties, African Youths play vital role in transforming local economies toward a green future.
This session aims to share lessons from GGGI Country offices: Senegal, Cote D’Ivoire, and Ethiopia and the Regional Office on ‘What It Takes’ to support an enabling environment to leapfrog youth entrepreneurship in the region. The session will highlight lessons learned from different green-preneurship projects, areas of growth, and adjustments amid economic and societal uncertainty. The session will elaborate on vital collaboration with financing partners, to discuss funding mechanisms for entrepreneurs, and pending work to be achieved.
