The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) have announced the third phase of their Coaching and Mentoring Programme, specifically targeting women and youth agripreneurs. The initiative aims to build skills, foster innovation, and enhance sustainable development within the agricultural sector across Africa and the Arab region.
Key Takeaways
- Third phase of a collaborative coaching and mentoring initiative for agripreneurs.
- Focus on empowering women and youth in agriculture.
- Provides hands-on coaching, training, and networking opportunities.
- Aims to support innovation and sustainable agribusiness development.
- Encourages economic growth and food security in Africa and the Arab world.
About the Coaching and Mentoring Program
The UNITAR and BADEA joint program was established to address the challenges faced by startups and small-scale entrepreneurs in agriculture, especially those led by women and young people. With its third phase underway, the program continues to offer personalized coaching, capacity-building workshops, and mentorship from industry experts. Participants are given the opportunity to hone business acumen, develop innovative agricultural solutions, and build networks that extend across continents.
Why Women and Youth are the Focus
Agriculture is a primary source of livelihood in many African and Arab countries, but barriers for women and youth remain significant, including access to finance, education, and technology. By concentrating resources on these groups, the program helps level the playing field and taps into a reservoir of potential entrepreneurs who can contribute to food security and economic transformation.
Program Highlights and Activities
Participants in Phase III can expect:
- Personalized coaching sessions tailored to their business needs.
- Mentorship from leaders in agribusiness and sustainable development.
- Training workshops covering modern agricultural techniques, business management, and digital resources.
- Opportunities to showcase their ventures, attract partnerships, and access new markets.
- Networking events to foster collaboration and share best practices.
Expected Outcomes and Impact
The successful implementation of this phase is anticipated to:
- Boost participants’ capacities to launch or scale sustainable agri-enterprises.
- Facilitate job creation, especially for underrepresented groups in rural communities.
- Foster a culture of innovation and inclusion within the agriculture sector.
- Contribute to the broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to gender equality, decent work, and food security.
The Path Forward
By empowering female and youth agripreneurs, the UNITAR and BADEA coaching and mentoring program is positioning a new generation to lead Africa’s and the Arab region’s agricultural transformation. As the world faces rising food insecurity and economic disparities, initiatives like this play a pivotal role in cultivating sustainable, resilient communities for the future.
