Nigeria Advocates for Enhanced Continental Development Support
Nigeria is intensifying its appeal for greater development assistance from continental partners, urging the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) to prioritize its initiatives. The aim is to effectively implement the African Demographic Dividend Plan and other strategic programs focused on expanding economic opportunities, particularly for youth and women.
Discussions at the African Union Executive Council Meeting
This appeal was articulated during the African Union Executive Council meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu engaged with AUDA-NEPAD Chief Executive Officer Ms. Nardos Bekele Thomas. The meeting allowed African leaders to assess the progress on the continent’s development agenda and discuss preparations for the upcoming African Union summit.
Harnessing Demographic Potential for Economic Growth
Highlighting Nigeria’s demographic advantages, Minister Odumegwu Ojukwu emphasized the country’s population, over 70 percent of which comprises young people. He argued for a significant increase in investment for programs that could transform this demographic potential into sustainable economic growth.
Calls for Empowerment Initiatives
The minister urged AUDA-NEPAD to lead the charge in implementing the African Demographic Dividend Program, insisting that such backing would be instrumental in job creation, boosting entrepreneurship, fostering resilient communities, and promoting inclusive economic development.
Strengthening Collaboration for Women and Private Sector Development
Odumegwu Ojukwu also underscored the necessity of enhanced collaboration in women’s empowerment and private sector development. He noted that progress in these areas is crucial for realizing substantial economic transformation in Africa’s most populous nation.
Significance of Institutional Synergy
Ms. Nardos stressed that strengthened collaboration between AUDA-NEPAD’s Continental Secretariat and its National Centralized Office in Abuja would enhance the effectiveness of development projects, thereby maximizing their impact on Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Investments in Human Capital Development
The Foreign Minister acknowledged AUDA-NEPAD’s human capital development initiatives, particularly the successful mobilization of $100 million for the Africa Demographic Dividend Programme. He described this achievement as a significant milestone in pursuing Africa’s development objectives.
Nigeria’s Commitment to AUDA-NEPAD
Minister Odumegwu Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding relationship with continental institutions, noting its role as a founding member of the former New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), which evolved into AUDA-NEPAD. He expressed Nigeria’s commitment to continue supporting the agency, including annual voluntary financial contributions to sustain its core programs and initiatives.
Renewed Partnership to Address Economic Challenges
Prime Minister Bekele Thomas welcomed Nigeria’s renewed commitment and pledged AUDA-NEPAD’s unwavering support for the country’s development priorities. This new collaboration arrives as Nigeria addresses pressing issues such as high youth unemployment and seeks to enhance women’s economic participation while leveraging demographic trends for long-term growth.
AUDA-NEPAD’s Role in Advancing Development Goals
As the African Union’s primary technical implementation agency, AUDA-NEPAD is vital in coordinating development programs, mobilizing investments, strengthening institutional capacities, and assisting member states in achieving Agenda 2063 goals. Nigeria’s enhanced engagement is expected to solidify its leadership role within the African Union while positioning the country to capitalize on continental efforts aimed at fostering economic transformation and creating millions of jobs for the youth.
