For instance, the withdrawal of USAID that used to support health and other projects in a number of developing countries has greatly affected the continent. This is just one classic example, but there are other support relied upon by African countries that are today not effective, causing more challenges for the continent.
The fact of the matter is African governments cannot entirely depend on foreign aid for its survival. And it is time African governments created more avenues and nurture strategic industries to attract its teeming young population to contribute to national development.
The number of African youths risking their lives to reach European shores in search of greener pastures is alarming. Lack of jobs and better prospects has been the main driver forcing the youth to embark on perilous trips and journey that often see them cross harsh terrains and environments in the world, such as the Sahara desert and the vast expanses of sea to reach either Italy or Canary Islands in Spain.
Many young people lose their lives in their attempt to cross onto the shores of Europe. Even those who survive the journey are left with lifelong trauma due to the difficult challenges they endure mostly in the hands of their handlers.
It is high time government authorities looked at other alternatives like intensifying Public Private Partnership (PPP) by opening more industries and other gainful ventures, where young people could harness and exploit their talents.
In this era of unpredictable challenges with limited resources, most countries are focusing on promoting PPP. This is now seen as one of the ways to attain development. It has also been proven to be viable in promoting youth empowerment and inclusive development.
For instance, the Minister of Gender and Social Welfare last Sunday paid a courtesy visit to Njie Charakh World Market, an institution synonymous with women empowerment initiatives through its endless innovative opportunities. The Minister’s visit was basically to familiarise herself with the work of the centre and to see some of the women empowerment initiatives being undertaken by the centre.
Since its inception some few years ago, the institution has prided itself with excellence, innovation and creativity, while promoting women empowerment initiatives.
Thus, we commend Minister Fatou Kinteh for the move and for acknowledging the fact that the Centre has contributed immensely to empowering women and young people in the country’s entrepreneurship space.
Government should support such a centre as it has been supporting women empowerment initiatives since its inception. That endeavour or support has not only reduced dependency but has also enabled some of its students to be financially independent as they operate their own businesses. That is how empowerment is realised and maintained.
Equally, we salute the CEO of Njie Charakh World Market for the foresight in setting up the centre. With more strategic support, the centre can change the status quo of joblessness among youth of the country, especially among the women. So we doff our hat once more to Njie Charakh World Market for their tireless efforts at empowering women of the country. We say bravo and keep it up!