Over 50 Million African Youth to Benefit from $100 Billion Technology and Entrepreneurship Scheme
Ahiaba Douglas
Abuja, July 8, 2025 — More than 150 million youths across Africa are expected to benefit from a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering the continent’s young population through technology and entrepreneurship.
This was disclosed by Ambassador Ifeoma Mary Ejiogu, the African Representative of the United States Latino American Chamber of Commerce (USLACC), at the launch of the $100 Billion Youth Endowment Fund themed “Africa on the Wing of Acceleration and Growth.” The launch took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Round Table Hall, Abuja.
Ambassador Ejiogu emphasized that equipping Africa’s youth with the right skills and resources is vital to the continent’s development. She explained that the endowment fund is designed to provide strong financial backing and support for technology development and skills acquisition among African youth.
“In spite of the vast wealth in Africa, many of our youths continue to seek greener pastures abroad,” Amb. Ejiogu lamented. “The Youth Endowment Fund seeks to reverse this trend by unlocking opportunities and promoting sustainable development and industrialization across the continent.”
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Engr. (Dr.) Coffie (MFR), CEO and Managing Director of Reticulated Global Engineering Limited, urged African governments to adopt deliberate and strategic policies to drive industrialization.
He stressed the importance of increased budgetary allocation to Ministries of Science and Technology as a key step toward technological advancement.
Dr. Coffie also advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s educational curriculum to better align with national development needs. He highlighted the necessity of clearly distinguishing between engineers, technologists, technicians, and craftsmen in training and qualification, cautioning that merging their roles could hinder the country’s technological progress.
Also speaking at the event, Julie Obi, National Coordinator of the Oneness Foundation, commended USLACC for what she described as a transformational and impactful initiative. She noted that the program would serve as a viable alternative for the large number of youths seeking non-existent white-collar jobs.
“This initiative offers hope and practical solutions to millions of our young people,” she said. “It is a step in the right direction toward economic empowerment and job creation.
