African Development Bank (AfDB) Endorses €13.6 Million Initiative to Advance Rural Burkina Faso's Youth Empowerment and Vocational Development

African Development Bank (AfDB) Endorses €13.6 Million Initiative to Advance Rural Burkina Faso's Youth Empowerment and Vocational Development

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Burkina Faso have taken a significant step towards supporting the country's economic transformation by launching the third phase of the Support Project for Youth Employment and Skills Development in Rural Areas (PADEJ-MR) on July 15, 2025, in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso.

The third phase of the project, which is primarily funded by a €12.25 million grant from the AfDB, focuses on an incubator program that supports 65 young people from four regions. This program aims to help these individuals prepare business plans eligible for financing, with an emphasis on sectors such as agriculture, agri-food, services, crafts, and new technologies.

The incubator mechanism, a key component of the third phase, offers practical training in financial education and safeguards, personalized coaching, and local technical support. This comprehensive approach is designed to equip these young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to transform their ideas into viable businesses.

Ms. Franceline Kaboré, representing the country's Minister of Sports, Youth, and Employment, and Ms. Mouna Diawara, Head of Operations at the AfDB, were present at the launch of the third phase of the PADEJ-MR project. Ms. Kaboré commended the AfDB's commitment to the project, while Ms. Diawara emphasized the Bank's readiness to continue supporting Burkina Faso in its economic transformation efforts, with a focus on opportunities for young people and women.

Sévérine Lankouandé, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries of the incubator, expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the AfDB and the government. She highlighted the impact of the program, stating that it has already enabled a cohort of young entrepreneurs to receive training that will enable them to launch transformative enterprises.

The PADEJ-MR project is a concrete and integrated response to the problem of youth unemployment in rural areas. It aligns with the government’s strategic vision on youth entrepreneurship, making it a national priority. The project aims to promote the economic empowerment and resilience of young people in rural areas through entrepreneurship, thereby fostering their independence and contributing to the overall economic growth of Burkina Faso.

[1] African Development Bank. (2025). Support Project for Youth Employment and Skills Development in Rural Areas (PADEJ-MR) in Burkina Faso. Retrieved from https://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/support-project-for-youth-employment-and-skills-development-in-rural-areas-padej-mr-in-burkina-faso-29383

[2] Government of Burkina Faso. (2025). Strategic Vision on Youth Entrepreneurship. Retrieved from https://www.gouvernement.bf/fr/strategie-nationale-de-l-entrepreneuriat-de-la-jeunesse

1. The incubator program, a key part of the third phase of the PADEJ-MR project, is not only focused on employment but also emphasizes personal growth and education-and-self-development, aiming to prepare young entrepreneurs with the necessary skills for business success.
2. The PADEJ-MR project, aligned with the government's strategic vision on youth entrepreneurship, aims to promote personal growth, learning, and personal development through entrepreneurship, fostering the economic empowerment and resilience of young people in rural areas of Burkina Faso.

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