African Development Bank (AfDB) endorses €13.6 million venture to strengthen rural job opportunities and develop skills among youth in Burkina Faso.
In a significant stride towards promoting youth entrepreneurship and rural development, the African Development Bank and the Government of Burkina Faso have launched 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.
Ms. Franceline Kaboré, representing the country's Minister of Sports, Youth, and Employment, commended the African Development Bank's commitment to the PADEJ-MR, emphasizing that youth entrepreneurship is a national priority enshrined in the strategic vision of the government of Burkina Faso.
The third phase of the PADEJ-MR is mainly financed by a €12.25 million grant from the African Development Bank. This phase focuses on helping youth transform their ideas into sustainable businesses in sectors like agriculture, agri-food, services, crafts, and new technologies.
The project has supported the establishment of an incubator mechanism that provides practical training in financial education and safeguards. This mechanism offers personalized coaching and local technical support to a cohort of young entrepreneurs, enabling them to launch transformative enterprises. In this phase, the incubator program is providing support to 65 young people in the formulation of business plans eligible for financing.
Ms. Mouna Diawara, Head of Operations at the African Development Bank, emphasized the bank's readiness to continue supporting Burkina Faso in its economic transformation efforts, with a particular focus on opportunities for young people and women. She attended the launch event alongside Ms. Franceline Kaboré and other dignitaries.
Sévérine Lankouandé, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries of the incubator, expressed gratitude to the government and the African Development Bank for the opportunities already provided by the incubator program. She highlighted that the training has equipped them with skills necessary to develop solid business plans and access funding opportunities.
The PADEJ-MR project is focused on rural areas in Burkina Faso, aiming to promote the economic empowerment and resilience of young people in these regions through entrepreneurship. The total cost of the PADEJ-MR project is €13.62 million.
This initiative is a testament to the commitment of both the African Development Bank and the Government of Burkina Faso towards fostering economic growth and addressing unemployment in rural areas by empowering young entrepreneurs.
The PADEJ-MR project, focusing on rural areas in Burkina Faso, is not only promoting economic growth and resilience among young people but also encouraging personal growth and learning through practical training in financial education and business plan formulation. The incubator mechanism, mainly financed by the African Development Bank, offers personalized coaching, local technical support, and safeguards to young entrepreneurs, enabling them to transform their ideas into sustainable businesses.
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