Pandemic can’t dampen youth innovation in Africa

Kenyan Elizabeth Gikebe, a winner of the Bank’s AgriPitch competition, will receive continued Bank support to grow her cassava food processing business, create jobs and economic opportunities for communities. 

By Aissatou Ba-Okotie

Youth is the foundation and the hope on which the inclusive development of a country can be built. As the African Union’s African Youth Month comes to an end, I welcome the celebration, which serves as a reminder of our duty to our young generation to leave a legacy of prosperity and stability and a continent where they can contribute to the well-being and development of their communities.

COVID-19 has impacted all communities in Africa, and has dimmed employment prospects – particularly for young people. But as we launch our recovery efforts, we have the opportunity to strengthen health and social protection systems and to rethink training systems and the development of employable skills to respond to our changing needs. In each country, we can strive to develop new structures conducive to the development of entrepreneurship and innovation among young people.

I am always amazed to discover the creativity and innovation of talented young Africans in Africa and outside Africa.

I take this opportunity to congratulate the winners of the African Development Bank AgriPitch Competition, which concluded this month, as part of the African Youth Agripreneur Forum. The competition dished out a total of $120,000 to winners in women-empowered businesses category, early start-up category winner and mature start-up business category. These young champions are creating businesses that transform and foster inclusive development, represent an emerging group of youth who are competent and creative – and offer inspiration to those who would like to follow in their footsteps.

AgriPitch is just one of the Bank’s campaigns that aim to make the most of Africa’s enormous youth dividend. As part of the Jobs for Youth in Africa Strategy, our Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi-Donor Trust Fund, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab, and Souk At-tanmia initiative in North Africa, we intend to support more young entrepreneurs, setting our sights on a youth-activated future. Our vision includes the promotion of decent jobs and youth entrepreneurship, as well as the preservation of jobs in micro, small and medium-sized businesses during this pandemic period and beyond.

Through our investments, we continue to work to improve the quality of life of African populations, thus reinforce bringing human beings back to the heart of the work we do.

About the author

Aissatou Ba-Okotie is Chief Business Development Coordinator in the Human Capital, Youth and Skills Development Department at the African Development Bank. With more than 30 years of experience in private sector and skills development Ba-Okotie provides strategic advice to the Department Director, coordinates the Department’s work program and budget, leads on partnerships and resource mobilization and manages the front office of the Director.