ABUJA — Nigeria has urged the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) to prioritise the country in key continental programmes aimed at expanding economic opportunities for young people and women.
The call was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during a bilateral meeting with AUDA-NEPAD Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, on the sidelines of the African Union Executive Council Meeting held July 27–28 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, according to a statement issued on July 29 by the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and signed by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria’s large youth population presents a strong case for increased support under the African Demographic Dividend Programme and related initiatives.
“With more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population comprising young people, greater investment in youth-focused programmes is imperative,” she said.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with AUDA-NEPAD to unlock economic opportunities, build resilient communities and accelerate sustainable development.
She also called for increased support for women empowerment and private sector development, describing both as critical to inclusive economic transformation.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further stressed the need for stronger collaboration between AUDA-NEPAD’s continental secretariat and its National Focal Office in Abuja to ensure effective implementation of development programmes.
She commended the agency’s role in human capital development, particularly the mobilisation of $100 million for the African Demographic Dividend Programme, describing it as “a major boost to Africa’s development agenda.”
The minister also praised Bekele-Thomas for her leadership in advancing flagship projects under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
In her response, Bekele-Thomas welcomed Nigeria’s renewed commitment and reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to support the country’s development priorities.
“As Africa’s premier development agency, we are excited to deepen our collaboration with Nigeria, working together to create new economic opportunities, empower communities and translate the aspirations of Agenda 2063 into tangible benefits for the people,” she said.
Nigeria, a founding member of the former New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), reiterated its continued support for AUDA-NEPAD, including annual voluntary contributions to its programmes.
