• A $15.77 million program supports rural youth with training and startup aid
• 65 young entrepreneurs will receive coaching and funding in four regions
• The initiative addresses high job vulnerability and skills mismatch in rural areas

Since mid-July, Burkina Faso has launched a new phase of its youth employment strategy in rural areas through a $15.77 million program co-financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Burkinabe government. This is the third phase of the “Support Project for Youth Employment and Skills Development in Rural Areas” (PADEJ-MR), the AfDB announced in a press release on Thursday, July 31.

The program includes the creation of a multisector incubator that will support 65 young entrepreneurs across four rural regions. These participants will receive technical support, targeted training in management, personalized coaching, and assistance in developing business plans eligible for funding.

By helping rural youth gain practical skills in agriculture, crafts, services, and technology, the program aims to create real opportunities in areas where unemployment and migration slow development. The AfDB is focusing on close-up support, offering financial education and mentorship to help young people launch sustainable small businesses adapted to local needs.

Burkina Faso’s fast-growing population is putting extra pressure on the job market. In the second quarter of 2024, a report from the Ministry of Economy and Finance showed that 91.2% of jobs in rural areas were considered vulnerable, compared to less than 55% in urban zones. The AfDB's 2024 country report also found that 8.2% of Burkinabe youth are officially unemployed.

Access to vocational training remains limited, especially outside major cities. PADEJ-MR is part of a long-term strategy to better match local workforce skills with rural labor market needs. Its success will depend on scaling up the program, ensuring long-term support, and aligning it with other national efforts.

Earlier in 2024, the AfDB approved a $39.2 million loan to help strengthen the economic resilience of 175,000 young people affected by the country’s ongoing security crisis. For the initiative to succeed, Burkina Faso will need to secure post-training funding, increase women’s participation, and build stronger links between training, entrepreneurship, and the local market.

Other African countries, including Rwanda and Ghana, are testing similar rural incubator models.