African Development Bank Endorses €13.6 Million Initiative to Enhance Rural Youth Employment and Skills in Burkina Faso
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Burkina Faso have joined forces to launch the third phase of the Support Project for Youth Employment and Skills Development in Rural Areas (PADEJ-MR). This initiative, which focuses on continuing and expanding an incubator program that supports rural youth entrepreneurship, was officially unveiled in Ouagadougou on July 15, 2025.
The third phase of PADEJ-MR aims to promote the economic empowerment and resilience of young people in rural areas through entrepreneurship. Ms. Franceline Kaboré, representing the country's Minister of Sports, Youth, and Employment, commended the AfDB's commitment to the project and noted that youth entrepreneurship is a national priority.
The incubator program, which is the heart of this phase, aims to help 65 young people convert their ideas into viable businesses in sectors such as agriculture, agri-food, services, crafts, and new technologies. This transformation will be facilitated through practical training in financial education, personalized coaching, and local technical support.
The total cost of the third phase of PADEJ-MR is approximately €13.62 million, with the AfDB providing a substantial €12.25 million grant. The remainder of the financing comes from the Burkinabe government and possibly other sources. The AfDB’s contribution is a grant aimed at enabling the creation of sustainable youth-led enterprises adapted to the economic realities of rural Burkina Faso, focusing on reducing youth unemployment and job vulnerability in these areas.
Ms. Mouna Diawara, Head of Operations at the African Development Bank, confirmed the bank's continued support for Burkina Faso's economic transformation, with a focus on opportunities for young people and women. The beneficiaries of the incubator program, represented by Sévérine Lankouandé, expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided.
The incubator mechanism, a key component of the project, offers personalized coaching, assistance for young people to prepare business plans eligible for financing, and practical training in financial education and safeguards. The project has already supported the establishment of this mechanism, and a cohort of young entrepreneurs have already received training that will enable them to launch transformative enterprises.
In conclusion, the third phase of PADEJ-MR is an AfDB-backed incubator program financially supported mainly by a large AfDB grant (€12.25 million of the €13.62 million total) to help rural youth in Burkina Faso gain entrepreneurship skills and launch viable businesses in promising sectors. This initiative underscores the commitment of both the AfDB and the Burkina Faso government to addressing rural youth unemployment and fostering economic growth in these areas.
The third phase of PADEJ-MR, established for rural youth empowerment, extends learning opportunities beyond entrepreneurship to personal growth and education-and-self-development, as demonstrated by the incubator program's focus on financial education, personalized coaching, and local technical support. These resources are essential for the 65 participating youth to transform their ideas into sustainable enterprises, contributing to job creation and the overall economic development of rural Burkina Faso.
The launch of this initiative showcases a united commitment from the AfDB and the Government of Burkina Faso to nurture continuous learning and pursuits of personal-growth among rural youth, fostering resilience, and reducing job vulnerability in these communities.
