JA Africa partners Z Zurich Foundation to boost youth entrepreneurship

Junior Achievement Africa has announced a partnership with Z Zurich Foundation aimed at building resilience and promoting youth entrepreneurship in Africa. Simi Nwogugu, the CEO of Junior Achievement Africa, shared insights on the partnership in an interview with CNBC Africa, highlighting the scope and objectives of the collaboration. With a focus on International Youth Day, Nwogugu emphasized the commitment of Junior Achievement Africa to empowering young people with essential skills for financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. The organization, which has been operating in Africa for over 40 years and reaching over 300,000 youth annually in 13 countries, is set to expand its reach with the partnership, targeting five new countries and aiming to impact over half a million young individuals over the next three years. The key theme of the partnership is to address challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in conceptualizing, communicating, and capturing global business opportunities. Nwogugu noted that while African youth possess inherent entrepreneurial traits, there is a need to enhance their problem-solving abilities and design thinking skills to leverage technology and tap into global markets effectively. The collaboration with Z Zurich Foundation will provide access to mentors from Z Zurich Insurance Group and Junior Achievement alumni, fostering a supportive ecosystem for youth entrepreneurs. Nwogugu highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and helping young Africans communicate their value proposition to investors. By instilling project management skills and emphasizing social impact within their programs, Junior Achievement Africa aims to equip youth with the necessary tools to succeed in the competitive business landscape. The organization's focus on reorienting mindsets and building both skill sets and entrepreneurial mindset from a young age underscores its holistic approach to nurturing the next generation of African entrepreneurs. In response to challenges hindering African entrepreneurs from reaching their full potential on the continent, Nwogugu emphasized the significance of capital access, effective communication, and impactful community engagement. By equipping youth with the skills to navigate these obstacles, Junior Achievement Africa aims to cultivate a culture of innovation and resilience among African youth. Addressing concerns about preparing young people for the jobs of tomorrow, Nwogugu highlighted the creation of a career matching platform through the partnership with Z Zurich Foundation. The platform is designed to connect African graduates with relevant job opportunities, bridging the gap between skilled individuals and available positions in the job market. With a focus on enhancing social, digital, and communication skills among young job seekers, Junior Achievement Africa aims to improve their employability and pave the way for successful career pathways. The organization's global network enables seamless connections between job seekers and employers, fostering a dynamic environment for self-employment and professional growth. By combining efforts to promote entrepreneurship and job readiness, Junior Achievement Africa and Z Zurich Foundation are advancing the prospects of Africa's youth, empowering them to excel in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.