On 14th and 15th November 2023, SNV hosted the Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Global Forum in Accra in collaboration with the EU in Ghana, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ghana, and the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations. The forum, which was also supported by GIZ Ghana, brought together key players and stakeholders in youth employment and entrepreneurship from 13 countries. The forum featured plenary sessions, round table discussions, and youth exhibitions, creating a vibrant space for collaboration and exchange.
The forum aimed to share experiences and recommendations for fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for the youth, especially in the green sector. Barbara White Nkoala, SNV Country Director, highlighted the importance of partnering with the government and other stakeholders committed to youth development. She also urged all stakeholders to join forces for the success of the Green Jobs Strategy, on which SNV is collaborating with the government. She emphasized SNV’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the youth.
Ernest Berko, the Deputy Director for Policy Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation at the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations, explained the green initiative, which aims to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on the environment. He emphasized the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for jobs in the green economy, aligning with the Green Jobs Strategy to both maximize job creation potential and minimize job losses due to climate change. He added that the government is working with partners to create more opportunities for jobs that demand particular professionals in the green sector. He underscored the government’s dedication to ensuring that young people find employment and actively contribute to job creation within the green sector.
How SMEs and TVET Can Drive the Green Economy for the Youth
The forum also featured the panel “SMEs and the role of the private and public sector in stimulating green youth employment and enterprise development”, where Mona Iddrisu, the Head of ACET’s Youth Employment and Skills unit, shared her insights. She said that SMEs are the backbone of Ghana and Africa, and that venturing into the green economy is not only socially responsible, but also profitable. She cited the example of the US, which makes about 1.3 trillion USD a year in the green economy, and encouraged the youth to take advantage of the ripe green economy in Africa.
She also drew on ACET’s research on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and highlighted the importance of sustainability and longevity in career skills. She explained how TVET can help youth acquire practical and relevant skills for careers in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and technology. She also emphasized that the skills acquired through TVET are designed to withstand changes in the job market and industry trends, aligning with work’s evolving nature.
Her contributions, along with other panelists, showcased the commitment of stakeholders from different sectors to address the issue of youth unemployment.
Key Themes:
- Innovation in Entrepreneurship: The forum strongly emphasized the role of innovation in fostering youth entrepreneurship. Various sessions and panel discussions delved into how technological advancements and creative thinking could birth new opportunities for the youth. Case studies and success stories highlighted the transformative power of innovative solutions in diverse sectors.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Youth Employment: Participants stressed the importance of integrating sustainable practices and SDG targets into entrepreneurial ventures. Participants explored ways businesses can contribute to environmental and social goals while generating youth employment opportunities, including the use of drones on farms as scarecrows and irrigation systems, solar energy, and electric vehicles.
- Capacity Building and Skill Development: Recognizing that a lack of skills often hinders youth employability, the forum underscored the need for comprehensive capacity-building programs. Workshops and training sessions equipped young entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to navigate the dynamic landscape of today’s job market.
- Public-Private Partnerships: The importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors was a recurring theme throughout the forum. Panelists and speakers explored successful models of public-private partnerships that have effectively driven youth employment initiatives, emphasizing the need for a coordinated effort to maximize impact.
Outcomes and Takeaways:
- Networking and Collaboration: One of the most significant outcomes of the forum was the establishment of a robust network of young entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and policymakers. The connections forged during the event are expected to catalyze collaborative efforts, leading to the development of innovative solutions and sustainable businesses.
- Policy Advocacy: The forum served as a platform for participants to advocate for youth-friendly policies at local, national, and global levels. The outcomes of these discussions are anticipated to influence policy frameworks, creating an environment conducive to youth entrepreneurship and employment.
- Showcasing Success Stories: The forum inspired attendees by highlighting successful youth-led enterprises and initiatives. These success stories served as motivational and practical examples for young entrepreneurs looking to make a difference in their communities.
The SNV Youth Entrepreneurship and Employment Global Forum 2023 was a rallying point for those enthusiastic about addressing the challenges faced by young people in the workforce. As the world continues to grapple with complex issues, events like these play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and shaping a future where youth unemployment is no longer a barrier to realizing one’s full potential.
