Nigeria has urged the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) to prioritise the country in the implementation of the African Demographic Dividend Programme and other development initiatives aimed at expanding economic opportunities for young people and women.
The request formed part of discussions between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD, Ms Nardos Bekele-Thomas, on the sidelines of the African Union Executive Council Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with AUDA-NEPAD to unlock economic opportunities, build resilient communities and accelerate sustainable development across the country.
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She noted that with more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population made up of young people, increased investment in youth-focused programmes was essential.
“With more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population comprising young people, greater investment in youth-focused programmes is imperative to harness the country’s demographic potential for inclusive economic growth,” the minister said.
The Minister also called for increased AUDA-NEPAD support for women empowerment and private sector development initiatives, describing them as critical drivers of inclusive economic transformation.
She stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the AUDA-NEPAD Continental Secretariat and the Agency’s National Focal Office in Abuja to ensure effective implementation of development programmes and improved coordination. Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended AUDA-NEPAD for its interventions in human capital development, particularly the successful mobilisation of 100 million dollars for the African Demographic Dividend Programme.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the achievement as a “major boost to Africa’s development agenda” and praised Ms Bekele-Thomas for her leadership in advancing the Agency’s mandate through the implementation of flagship projects under the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
She specifically applauded the AUDA-NEPAD CEO for successfully mobilising resources through strategic partnerships with governments, international development partners, the private sector, philanthropic organisations and civil society.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to the Agency, the Foreign Affairs Minister recalled that Nigeria was one of the founding members of the former New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), which has since evolved into AUDA-NEPAD.
She assured the Agency of Nigeria’s continued support, including its annual voluntary contributions towards funding AUDA-NEPAD’s core development programmes and projects.
Responding, the AUDA-NEPAD Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, welcomed Nigeria’s renewed commitment and reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to support the country’s development priorities.
“As Africa’s premier development agency, we are excited to deepen our collaboration with Nigeria, working together to create new economic opportunities, empower communities and translate the aspirations of Agenda 2063 into tangible benefits for the people,” Bekele-Thomas said.
She added that AUDA-NEPAD remained committed to strengthening its partnership with Nigeria to unlock new economic opportunities, build resilient communities and accelerate the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
