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Tag: (UNIDO

  • Unemployment: UNIDO canvasses more support for SMEs

    Unemployment: UNIDO canvasses more support for SMEs

    As Nigerians grapple with poverty and growing unemployment, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), has urged Federal and state governments to increase their support for entrepreneurship and industrial development by putting in place more business- friendly policies and incentives.

    The Officer in Charge, UNIDO Regional Office, Nigeria, Dr. Chuma Ezedinma, made the call during the UNIDO HP LIFE Stakeholders Workshop in Abuja.

    Participants included representatives of federal and state Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government, private sector, non-profit organisations and the academia.

    Ezedinma noted that entrepreneurship and industrialisation were two important ingredients for tackling poverty and unemployment, adding that UNIDO would continue to support and partner the government and private sector to promote Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development (ISID) in the country.

    He said: “Entrepreneurship and industrialisation are two important ingredients for stimulating economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction in both developed economies and economies in transition including Nigeria. In fact, successful small businesses are the primary engines for job creation, income growth, and poverty reduction. Small businesses broaden the base of participation in society, create jobs, decentralise economic power, and give people a stake in the future.”

    Ezedinma said the government’s support for entrepreneurship and industrial development was crucial for economic development.

    “The government needs to encourage entrepreneurship and small businesses through its tax policy (corporate tax rate reductions, tax credits for investment and tax holidays), regulatory policy (simpler regulatory processes and reducing the cost of compliance with government regulations), access to capital (here the proposed development commercial banks can be of assistance), and the legal protection of property rights,” he said.

    The Entrepreneurship Expert and Team Leader, UNIDO HP LIFE Project, UNIDO Regional Office, Nigeria, Mr. Francis Ukoh, said the  project was in line with the government’s strategy as outlined in the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) to combat high youth and women unemployment and enhance the growth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s private sector.

  • UNIDO gets kudos for environmental programmes

    Minister of Envi-ronment, Ms. Amina Mohammed, has commended the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) for implementing the Montreal Protocol programmes aimed at the phasing-out of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in Nigeria.

    Speaking during the stakeholders workshop for the preparation of the Stage II of the Hydrochloroflorocarbon Phase-Out Management Plan (HPMP) for the Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Manufacturing Sector (RAMS) in Lagos, the Minister said the distribution of 75 low pressure foaming machines to major operators in the RAMS by UNIDO had gone a long way in helping Nigeria achieve 35 per cent phase-out of hydrorochloroflorocarbons consumption.

    According to the minister, who was represented by the Director of Human Resources in the Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Lauren Braide, “The government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Environment, acknowledges with thanks the good work, efforts and partnership of UNIDO in the implementation of the Montreal Protocol programmes and projects which aims to phase-out the production and consumption of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in Nigeria and also across the world.

    “Ozone layer depletion is a global environmental problem, and Nigeria is committed to phasing- out ODS in line with the Montreal Protocol, which the country is signatory to. UNIDO’s distribution of 75 low pressure foaming machines to the refrigeration and air-conditioning manufacturers in 13 states will has gone a long way in helping Nigeria in its quest towards achieving a complete phase-out of hydrorochlorofluorocarbons by 2040.”

    At the workshop attended by heads of government Ministries, Departments and Agencies; environment experts, manufacturers, academics and the media, the Officer-in-Charge of UNIDO Regional Office, Nigeria, Dr. Chuma Ezedinma, and  Industrial Development Officer, Montreal Protocol Unit, Environment Branch, Vienna, Ms Ozunimi Iti, reaffirmed the organisation’s support to enhancing safe and sustainable environment in  Nigeria and globally.

    The HPMP for Nigeria was developed by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The project aims at phase-out Hydrorohlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2040 as part of Nigeria’s obligation as a developing country under the Montreal Protocol, which was ratified in 1987, but came into force in January 1988, with 46 signatories and 197 member countries, including Nigeria.

    In line with the HPMP implementation strategy for Nigeria, UNIDO is implementing ODS phase-out programmes and projects in the Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Manufacturing Sector (RAMS) for Stage II which aims to phase-out 35 per cent of the consumption of HFCFs in the country.

  • China, UNIDO to invest in agric

    China National Construction and Agricultural Machinery Corp (China CMCA) has expresed interested in partnering  the  UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office (UNIDO ITPO ) to invest in Nigeria.

    The leader of the China CAMC Engineering delegation to Nigeria and General Manager, Mr. Yu Tao, said the firm is interested in investing in agri-business and infrastructure projects in the country.

    He said: “UNIDO has been working for the promotion of the well-being of the Nigerian people in agri-business, industrial development and other relevant areas for many years and I believe that we in China CAMC Engineering have a common goal to work together with UNIDO.

    “China CAMC Engineering is a publicly listed company engaged in industrial, agricultural and water treatment and communication projects across the world. Currently, we have 44 representative or branch offices around the world including Asia, Southeast Asia, Asia Pacific regions and in Africa – specifically Eastern African countries. Also, we have presence in South American countries.

  • Heineken, UNIDO push for inclusive growth in Nigeria, others

    Heineken, UNIDO push for inclusive growth in Nigeria, others

    Nigeria and other developing countries are to benefit from a partnership between the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and brewing giant, Heineken, on addressing some sustainability-related challenges.

    The partnership, which covers three areas: water, renewable energy/efficiency and local sourcing of inputs, is aimed at promoting inclusive growth and enhancing the environmental impact of Heineken’s operations in developing countries.

    According to experts, the world is expected to require 40 per cent more water and 50 per cent more energy by 2030. Population growth, changing lifestyles and climate change will place increasing pressure on the environment, particularly on water, energy and food nexus. And one sector that touches all three areas is the brewing industry.

    A statement on UNIDO’s website, accessed by The Nation, noted that under the water component, the partnership focuses on developing initiatives for catchment areas classified as ‘water-scarce’. The initiatives complement Heineken’s commitment to reducing water consumption in its breweries in these regions. Currently, joint activities are concentrating on breweries in Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Mexico and Nigeria.

    The programme started in 2015 with UNIDO and Heineken organising two-community engagement workshops on the future of local watersheds: one in Ethiopia for the Dabena river catchment area; and the other in Nigeria for the Ibadan region in the Ogun-Oshun catchment area.

    Measures identified by stakeholders to reduce water stress in the Dabena catchment area include the reforestation of degraded upstream catchment areas, the promotion of sustainable land use and agro-forestry practices, and the establishment of community-based water retention facilities.

    This initiative also draws on support from Israel, which is well-known for its extensive experience in water conservation, technology and innovative practices. More workshops are planned for 2016 and 2017.

    Under the second pillar of the partnership, UNIDO and Heineken are jointly examining the potential of renewable energy sources to enable Heineken’s developing country brewing plants to reduce fossil-fuel dependency as well as to supply excess clean energy back to local communities, through either power purchase  agreements or the construction of local mini-grids.

    This work is being piloted at Heineken’s brewery located in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

    In addition, the parties will look at ways to improve the industrial energy performance of Heineken’s Sedibeng Brewery, located near Johannesburg, South Africa. This will contribute to reducing power demand on the national grid, which is a high priority area for the South African government.

    At the same time, this work will reduce the carbon footprint of Heineken’s production operations in line with the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy.

    Finally, under the local sourcing component, the partnership is exploring opportunities to expand Heineken’s Supplier Development Programme as part of the company’s commitment to source 60 per cent of its raw materials in Africa locally.

    Heineken sources locally in 11 operating companies across Africa, through 24 various sourcing initiatives, involving over 120,000 farmers and reaching approximately 840,000 family members.

    The UNIDO-Heinekenpartnership is an exciting new area of work for UNIDO and in the words of the UNIDO’s Director -General, LI Yong, “Ultimately, we want to improve the lives of people in developing countries and make a meaningful contribution to inclusive and sustainable development while, at the same time, create flourishing markets that foster business opportunities.”

    The Chief Corporate Relations Officer of Heineken, Blanca Juti, said: “Partnering UNIDO helps us deliver on our commitment to Brew a Better World, which is at the core of our mission as a company.”

  • Heineken, UNIDO push for inclusive growth in Nigeria, others

    Heineken, UNIDO push for inclusive growth in Nigeria, others

    Nigeria and other developing countries are to benefit from a partnership between the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and brewing giant, Heineken, on addressing some  sustainability-related challenges.

    The partnership, which covers three areas: water, renewable energy/efficiency and local sourcing of inputs, is aimed at promoting inclusive growth and enhancing the environmental impact of Heineken’s operations in developing countries.

    According to experts, the world is expected to require 40 per cent more water and 50 per cent more energy by 2030. Population growth, changing lifestyles and climate change will place increasing pressure on the environment, particularly on water, energy and food nexus. And one sector that touches all three areas is the brewing industry.

    A statement on UNIDO’s website, accessed by The Nation, noted that under the water component, the partnership focuses on developing initiatives for catchment areas classified as ‘water-scarce’. The initiatives complement Heineken’s commitment to reducing water consumption in its breweries in these regions. Currently, joint activities are concentrating on breweries in Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Mexico and Nigeria.

    The programme started in 2015 with UNIDO and Heineken organising two-community engagement workshops on the future of local watersheds: one in Ethiopia for the Dabena river catchment area; and the other in Nigeria for the Ibadan region in the Ogun-Oshun catchment area.

    Measures identified by stakeholders to reduce water stress in the Dabena catchment area include the reforestation of degraded upstream catchment areas, the promotion of sustainable land use and agro-forestry practices, and the establishment of community-based water retention facilities.

    This initiative also draws on support from Israel, which is well-known for its extensive experience in water conservation, technology and innovative practices. More workshops are planned for 2016 and 2017.

    Under the second pillar of the partnership, UNIDO and Heineken are jointly examining the potential of renewable energy sources to enable Heineken’s developing country brewing plants to reduce fossil-fuel dependency as well as to supply excess clean energy back to local communities, through either power purchase  agreements or the construction of local mini-grids.

    This work is being piloted at Heineken’s brewery located in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

    In addition, the parties will look at ways to improve the industrial energy performance of Heineken’s Sedibeng Brewery, located near Johannesburg, South Africa. This will contribute to reducing power demand on the national grid, which is a high priority area for the South African government.

    At the same time, this work will reduce the carbon footprint of Heineken’s production operations in line with the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy.

    Finally, under the local sourcing component, the partnership is exploring opportunities to expand Heineken’s Supplier Development Programme as part of the company’s commitment to source 60 per cent of its raw materials in Africa locally.

    Heineken sources locally in 11 operating companies across Africa, through 24 various sourcing initiatives, involving over 120,000 farmers and reaching approximately 840,000 family members.

    The UNIDO-Heinekenpartnership is an exciting new area of work for UNIDO and in the words of the UNIDO’s Director -General, LI Yong, “Ultimately, we want to improve the lives of people in developing countries and make a meaningful contribution to inclusive and sustainable development while, at the same time, create flourishing markets that foster business opportunities.”

    The Chief Corporate Relations Officer of Heineken, Blanca Juti, said: “Partnering UNIDO helps us deliver on our commitment to Brew a Better World, which is at the core of our mission as a company.”

  • Miners, UNIDO collaborate for OIC certification

    Miners, UNIDO collaborate for OIC certification

    Mining firms will soon be able to attract Open Interconnect Consortium (OIC) certification standards.

    This is because of a partnership by Nigerian Miners Association with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and Ministry of Trade and Industries.

    The move will encourage about six companies with the support of UNIDO to set up laboratories that will be given OIC certification.

    President Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Sani Shehu, explained that the laboratories will enable exporters of agricultural and mining resources to enjoy trade opportunities.

    Shehu told our correspondent in Abuja that miners are no longer interested in waiting on the government to provide the certification but will be taking their fates into their own hands.

    Lamenting Nigeria’s inability to enjoy several opportunitiesý like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGAO)ý initiative, he blamed the situation on lack of political will.

    According to him: “When testing excavated minerals for local reference, which is to give us idea on the quality, we rely on the Kaduna and Jos laboratory.

    “But if it is for export, we use laboratories whose certificate have commercial value meaning the certificate will be acceptable by the buyer overseas, which is linked to Open Interconnect Consortium (OIC) standards which unfortunately, no laboratory in Nigeria has OIC standard.”

    Explaining why the new approach will work better, Shehu said: “I believe that the realisation of the partnership will be faster than pressuring the government to get us an OIC standard.”

  • Fed Govt inaugurates $1m investment, technology partnership with UNIDO

    Fed Govt inaugurates $1m investment, technology partnership with UNIDO

    • Plans to end sole dependence on oil

    In collaboration with the United Nations International Developemnt Organisation (UNIDO), the Federal Government yesterday launched the first N300million Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) in Nigeria.

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah who described the development as timely, said the move would accelerate the industrial revolution mantra of President Muhammadu Buhari administation while supporting the diversification of the economy.

    Discussing the benefits of the ITPO to the country, he said it would attract technologically-based Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and Local Direct Investments (LDIs) into the country, adding that the African continent stood to benefit from the Office as its services would be extended to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states.

    “Nigeria has all it takes to drive and sustain the activities of the Office  at home and abroad,” the minister said, adding that the country’s large market, natural resources, agricultural endowment and skilled labour would drive and sustain the activities of the ITPO.

    He said the ITPO would collaborate with the relevant minsitries department and agencies (MDAs) to enhance and drive efforts for attracting investment, acquiring and promoting access to technology, developing small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) through capacity building and cluster development.

    The Minister called for the establishment of a league between UNIDO ITPO Nigeria and existing ITPO networks in Italy, China, Baharain, Russia, Japan and South Korea.

    The ITPO Coordinator at the Investment Promotion Division of UNIDO, Ms Lucia Cartini, said the choice of Nigeria as the host for the lead ITPO was a joint decision of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and member states of UNIDO, adding that it was based on the consideration that Nigeria has enormous ability to drive and sustain the project.

    “Nigeria was chosen not only because Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, but also because there is abundant human and material resources to feed the sustainability needs of the ITPO,” she said, adding that the country offered excellent opportuites, especially in the non-oil sector of the economy.

    According to her, the ITPO office will be cited in Lagos because the city is more economically active than Abuja.

  • Govt, UNIDO partner on Investment Technology Promotion Office

    The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is to launch its Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) in Nigeria.

    Set up at the request of the Federal Government, the ITPO Nigeria would provide a platform for public and private stakeholders, entrepreneurs and development partners, to establish collaborative links in support of an increased competitiveness and diversification of the  economy.

    A statement by the Head of UNIDO ITPO in Nigeria, Mrs. Adebisi Olumodimu, said the launch would allow for several additional events, including the ITPO workshop, sensitisation workshops on the Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Programme (EDIP); the Computer Model for Feasibility Analysis and Reporting (COMFAR) as well as on gender inclusiveness in technology promotion.

    It said: “The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment will chair the event, which will also include sensitisation workshops on key UNIDO-ITPO systems to attract investment, identify and deploy technologies, and develop industrial cooperation with relevant international initiatives.

    ITPO Nigeria will be the first office in Africa, and will join global ITPO network that covers Bahrain, China (Beijing and Shanghai), Italy, Japan, South Korea and the Russian Federation.

    “Current UNIDO initiatives in Nigeria include new technologies to enhance clusters for the production of industrial goods such as finished leather products, agricultural value chains to support food and beverage processing, and creative fashion and craft industries in Nigeria.

  • How to tackle e-waste management, by UNIDO, NESREA,

    How to tackle e-waste management, by UNIDO, NESREA,

    National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lawrence Anukam, has blamed the rise in global electronic or e-waste scourge on technological advancement.

    Anukam, who spoke during a sensitisation workshop on the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for the electrical/electronics sector at the British High Commission residency in Ikoyi, Lagos, said the high technology consumption rate  implies that sustainable production and consumption of electrical/electronics equipment would help control e-waste.

    The event, organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in collaboration with Hinckley Associates, United Kingdom Trade and Investment and NESREA, was aimed at creating public awareness for e-waste management.

    It was also designed to promote meaningful dialogue and consultations between NESREA and key stakeholders; understanding current e-waste disposal processes; providing an overview on current e-waste volumes and future projections.

    In a paper titled: “Overview of Hazardous Waste Management”, delivered by the Deputy Director, Federal Ministry of the Environment, (FMEnv), Mr. Theodore Nwaokwe, he said strategies for managing hazardous wastes (HZW) include appropriate use of regulations, research into cleaner production techniques, EPR and environmental impact assessment (EIA).

    Other include compliance monitoring and enforcement; polluter-pays-principle, public education to change consumption and purchasing habits.

    He also listed efforts of the FMEnv to manage HZWs to include the ratification of relevant conventions (Basel Convention, Stockholm Convention, Rotterdam Convention); establishment of regulatory agencies such as NESREA; active participation at meeting and relating to the relevant conventions.

    He said  signing of memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) on chemicals and HZW management; establishment of linkage centres, hosting of Basel & Stockholm Convention regional centres, and preparing guidelines, regulations, policy frameworks and standards are other steps the government has taken.

    Nwaokwe also listed some projects undertaken by the ministry to include the establishment of scrap metal recycling plants in some towns, establishment of plastic recycling plants in some cities, establishment of waste recycling facility (material recovery facility) in two cities, establishment of integrated waste management facility, clean-up and remediation of Warri Refinery & Petrochemical Company dumpsites, remediation of sludge pits at Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company.

    He called for a more effective HZW in the country, stressing that there is need for increase in both the federal and state budgetary allocations for HZW management; strengthening of collaboration among MDAs, increased compliance monitoring and enforcement.

    He argued that domestication of all ratified treaties and conventions relating to chemicals and HZWs and intensification of research on cleaner production techniques through increasing advocacy with the National Assembly are ways the menace could be addressed.

    He also called for increased sensitisation of stakeholders and the general public, periodic and regular review of legislations, guidelines, standards, policies and regulations and provision of more infrastructure like landfills, treatment plants, incinerators, transfer stations.

    Speaking on the occasion, UNIDO’s Country Representative, Dr David Tommy, said environmental issues are universal and require everyone’s involvement. He said UNIDO is fully committed to promoting sustainable developmental projects. He highlighted some efforts of UNIDO in the EE sector which include organising an e-waste forum a year ago in collaboration with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and the development and submission of a proposal on e-waste, which has been submitted to Global Environmental Fund (GEF) for support.

    Tommy also called for holistic approach to environmental protection. To this end, he stressed the need to set up the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO); set up  Black Box, Registry and Advisory Council for the full implementation of the EPR in the sector. He  pledged UNIDO’s commitment to working with NESREA on EPR implementation.

    Speaking on the relationship between e-waste management and sustainable banking,   Head, Environmental Sustainability/CSR Division, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. A. C. Ifechikwu, said the Nigeria Sustainable Banking Principles (NSBP), an initiative of the Bankers’ Committee, was developed to incorporate social and environmental considerations into the activities and operations of the financial sector, and has been adopted by the Nigeria Financial Sector since July 2012, with nine principles. The principles include environmental and social risk management as well as environmental and social footprint, among others.

    He said in deploying a strategy to reduce environmental carbon footprints, the three “Rs”- reduce, that is, waste minimisation/smart procurement; re-use, that is, e-waste, furniture and others. Recycle that is, paper, plastic,; and proper disposal of other wastes.

    In supporting government in e-waste management, Mr. Oluyomi Banjo, an environmental expert at the UNIDO Regional Office, listed UNIDO’s mandate to include helping to promote the greening of existing industries and creation of green industries.

    They also include the implementation of different green industry flagship programmes such as  Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) phase out; persistent organic pollutants phase out and hazardous waste management. Specific products in e-waste that are of concern include flat screens, batteries, CFCs/Fridges and air conditioners.

    In a related development, UNIDO has also organised a workshop on amending the national environmental Ozone Layer protection (OZP) regulations 2009 for the country. The workshop was organised as part of the steps towards the implementation of the project: “Demonstration Project for Disposal of Unwanted Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) in Nigeria”.

    The objectives of the workshop were to identify the gaps in the ODS regulation; inform stakeholders about planned introduction of  the mandatory destruction of unwanted ODS and  product stewardship in ODS containing equipment among others.

    Tommy said the time has come for Nigeria to be fully compliant with product stewardship in line with the EPR. He said the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the ozone layer was the first  protocol  of the United Nations to have all  its member states as signatories

    Therefore, he said Nigeria, as a signatory to the convention,as well as Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Arican Union (AU) are not left behind on recent trends.

    In her presentation on “The Role of Media in Ozone Layer Protection and Environmental Matters” by Environment Editor, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Ms Nkechi Itodo,  listed wrong content alignment in news, poor capacity of media practitioners and organisational issues as some of the challenges weighing down mass media reportage of environmental matters in the country.

    Therefore, she  urged government to champion environment programmes and projects, including funding of media’s participation in environmental conferences to boost media capacity.

    She also tasked journalists to always highlight environment-related matters as developmental issues in their reporting and analysis.

    In all, six papers were presented at the workshop.

  • Job creation key to global peace, says Okowa

    Job creation key to global peace, says Okowa

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has urged the international community to partner with African nations on job and wealth creation “as a means to ensuring global peace and security.”

    Delivering the Keynote Address at the Africa Industrialisation Day at the United Nations Office in New York, Dr Okowa said beyond creating awareness of the challenges of industrialisation in Africa, the Forum should address the need for “firm commitments to strengthen partnerships that will drive industrialisation in Africa, create jobs and sustainable opportunities for youths, women and all people to enjoy better social and economic well-being.”

    The Africa Industrialization Day is celebrated on November 20 every year under the auspices of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to mobilise the commitment of the international community to the industrialization of Africa.

    The theme for this year’s event was “SMEs for Poverty Eradication and Job Creation for Women and Youth.”

    At a symposium to mark the event, Governor Okowa commended “UNIDO’s passion and dedication to spurring Africa’s industrialization,” pointing out that the occasion “is a reminder to all of us, of the need to redirect Africa’s economic development position from being a global supplier of raw materials and primary commodities to one with progressive value addition through agro-processing, agro-industrialization and beneficiation of solid minerals.”

    Noting that “SMEs are engines forcost-effective employment generation, social inclusion, equitable development and self-reliant industrialization using local raw materials,” the Governor lamented that they have not flourished in Africa due to “funding gaps, infrastructure deficit, energy problems and poor governance structures.”

    Dr. Okowa informed the gathering that Nigeria’s policies through successive administrations have revolved around the growth and development of SMEs as catalysts for economic development.

    According to him, “the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) are frantically taking measures to enhance the performance and growth of youth- and women-owned micro and small enterprises through a host of concessional financing initiatives spanning equity financing, debt financing, loan guarantees and grants.

    “In Delta State where I am Governor, we have developed a road map to engage our youths and women in productive enterprises and ensure inclusive growth. Our strategic approach is a comprehensive programme of youth training, development and empowerment in agricultural enterprises and vocational skills, microcredit to support small and medium scale enterprises, and the creation of a conducive business and investment environment. Also we are undertaking concerted measures for the integration of agricultural and agro-industrial development based on our comparative-advantage commodities, particularly cassava, oil palm and aquaculture.”

    He called for international support of the State’s Job and Wealth Creation Scheme, which is in its six months of operation. “In particular,” he said, “we would leverage financing and technical assistance from international and global agencies, including the United Nations, to enhance performance and sustainability of our Job and Wealth Creation Scheme.”

    Earlier, Mr Paul Maseli, UNIDO’s representative to the United Nations warned that “if Africa misses this opportunity to industrialise and create sufficient employment opportunities to support decent living conditions it could present a significant risk and threat to social cohesion and political stability in the future.

    “Fast-tracking industrialization efforts in Africa in the Post-2015 era is particularly imperative to create jobs for broad segments of the population. With almost 200 million people aged between 15 and 24, Africa has the youngest population in the world. And it keeps growing rapidly. If the present trend continues, the continent’s labour force will be 1 billion by 2040, making it the largest in the world, surpassing both China and India.

    “If the continent can increase the productivity and fully unleash the potential in this segment (SMEs), it will go a long way in the economic development of many African countries. Let us not forget how important SMEs are in the economies of advanced countries like Germany with its famous “Mittelstand”, or Italy with its SME-based success model. These are examples African countries can certainly learn from.”