Presented by the Ministry of International Relations and La Francophonie of Quebec.
The economic integration of youth and women is crucial for Africa. Based on statistics from United nations institutions, Africa has the youngest population in the world, with more than 200 million people aged 15 to 24. According to the World Bank, this segment of the population represents 60% of all of Africa’s unemployed. The International Labour Organization (ILO) explains that young people are three times as likely to be unemployed as adults and often hold inferior jobs. Women, who make up 52% of the African population, are hardest hit, with nearly 80% of them holding down a precarious job. Yet a 2018 report published by consulting firm Rolland Berger on female entrepreneurship shows that the highest rate of entrepreneurial activity among women is found in Africa. This observation encourages further development of programs centered around empowerment and employability.
How can training programs adapted to the African job market be put in place? How can project bearers and entrepreneurs be supported in setting up business incubators?
Welcome remarks: Mrs Nadine Girault - Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie of Quebec
Modérateur :Mr Oumar Diallo - Administrator and President of Le Réseau des entrepreneurset professionnels africains (REPAF)
Introduction :Mr Brahim Boudarbat - Manager of L’Observatoire de la Francophonie économique
PANELISTS:
Mrs Bitania Lulu Berhanu - International Branches Coordinator - Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa (YALDA)
Mrs Mary Porter Peschka - Director - Environment, Social and Governance, at International Financial Corporation, IFC (World Bank Group)
Mr Éric Bélanger - Managing Director, Business Services Développement international Desjardins (DID)
Mr Ilyès Bdioui - Chief Finance Officer & Partnerships, Jobs For Youth In Africa African Development Bank (AfDB).
