Burkina Faso and AfDB Launch Third Phase of Rural Youth Incubator Program

On July 15, 2025, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Burkina Faso officially launched the third phase of the incubator program under the Support Project for Youth Employment and Skills Development in Rural Areas—known by its French acronym PADEJ-MR. The event took place in Ouagadougou, marking a major milestone in the country’s ongoing strategy to combat rural youth unemployment and promote entrepreneurship.

This third-phase launch brought together key national and international stakeholders. Ms. Franceline Kaboré, representing the Ministry of Sports, Youth, and Employment, and Ms. Mouna Diawara, Head of Operations at AfDB, were both in attendance, underscoring the significance of this youth-centered initiative.

A Multi-Million Euro Commitment to Sustainable Development

The PADEJ-MR project is backed by a €13.62 million budget, of which €12.25 million is provided through a grant from the African Development Bank. The program’s primary objective is to foster economic resilience and autonomy among young people in rural areas by equipping them with essential entrepreneurial skills and support structures.

At its core, PADEJ-MR is designed to transform rural youth into business leaders. The incubator mechanism provides beneficiaries with a comprehensive package that includes:

• Practical training in financial literacy and safeguards

• Personalized coaching and mentoring

• Local technical assistance

• Structured development of bankable business plans

Empowering Youth to Launch Transformative Ventures

The third phase of the incubator program is now actively supporting 65 young individuals from across four key rural regions of Burkina Faso. These selected entrepreneurs are being guided through the critical early stages of business development, with the ultimate aim of turning their innovative ideas into viable, fundable enterprises.

The incubator focuses on high-potential sectors such as:

• Agriculture and Agri-food

• Rural services

• Handicrafts and artisanal trades

• Information and communication technologies

This targeted sectoral approach ensures alignment with both national development priorities and regional economic strengths.

Government and AfDB Support Reinforced

In her address, Ms. Franceline Kaboré commended the African Development Bank’s unwavering support and reiterated that youth entrepreneurship is central to Burkina Faso’s strategic vision for inclusive development. She emphasized that initiatives like PADEJ-MR are crucial for unlocking the demographic dividend and promoting peace and prosperity in rural communities.

Ms. Mouna Diawara, speaking for the African Development Bank, echoed this sentiment, stating:

"The Project to Support Youth Employment and Skills Development in Rural Areas is a concrete and integrated response to the problem of youth unemployment in rural areas. The African Development Bank is ready to continue supporting Burkina Faso in its economic transformation efforts, with a particular focus on opportunities for young people and women."

Beneficiaries Express Hope and Gratitude

Representing the voices of the program's participants, Sévérine Lankouandé shared heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the youth cohort. She highlighted the real-life impacts the incubator has already made in enabling young people to dream bigger, plan better, and act with purpose.

“We are grateful to the government and the African Development Bank. This program is more than training—it’s a chance to change our lives and contribute to the development of our communities.”

Looking Ahead

With the successful launch of this new phase, PADEJ-MR is charting a path toward inclusive, youth-led rural development. The incubator not only nurtures entrepreneurship but also builds a foundation for long-term job creation, innovation, and economic diversification. As the program expands its reach and deepens its impact, it is poised to become a model for youth empowerment initiatives across the Sahel and beyond.