AfDB youth empowerment Northern Ghana grant aims to tackle jobs gap

Tuesday 2nd December 2025

by inAfrika Newsroom

AfDB youth empowerment Northern Ghana efforts received a boost after officials confirmed a US$70 million grant for five northern regions. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed the African Development Bank decision in early November after talks with the lender’s country office.

The funds will support skills training, entrepreneurship programmes and small business finance for young people in the Savannah, Northern, North East, Upper East and Upper West regions. These areas face higher poverty and unemployment rates than the national average. Many residents also grapple with climate shocks that damage farms and drive migration.

According to Ablakwa, AfDB youth empowerment Northern Ghana projects will align with government plans such as the “Big Push” infrastructure agenda, a proposed 24-hour economy strategy and digital skills schemes. Officials hope the combination can create jobs in agribusiness, renewable energy, tourism and technology hubs.

Local leaders and civil society groups welcomed the grant but urged strict monitoring so that funds reach communities, not only intermediaries. They also called for special support for young women, who often face extra barriers to land, finance and formal employment.

Why it matters for AfDB youth empowerment Northern Ghana

AfDB youth empowerment Northern Ghana programme arrives as frustration over jobs and inequality grows across the Sahel and coastal West Africa. High youth unemployment can fuel crime, extremism and irregular migration. In contrast, targeted investment in skills and enterprises can stabilise families and towns.

The grant also shows how development banks now link regional security and climate resilience to economic opportunity. Northern Ghana faces rising temperatures, erratic rains and land pressure. Therefore, new ventures in climate-smart agriculture, processing and services could deliver both income and adaptation.

Success will depend on execution. Transparent selection of beneficiaries, timely disbursement and strong mentoring will matter as much as the headline figure. If done well, the programme could offer a model for similar youth-focused packages in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and beyond.