US$50 million to address youth unemployment
WASHINGTON, September 15, 2011 - The World Bank today approved an International Development Association (IDA) grant for a Youth Employment and Skills Development Project for the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire in the amount of US$50 million.
This Rapid Response Emergency operation would provide much needed financial assistance for the creation of temporary earning and employment opportunities for vulnerable youth, by building on and expanding successful existing programs and by piloting innovative approaches. It would also support professional skills development and provide a first work experience for youth in economic growth sectors to improve their employability and increase the potential for future earning opportunities. Given the role of unemployed and disenfranchised youth in the conflict, creating tangible opportunities for youth relatively quickly is central to post-crisis peace-building.
“Since the late 1990s, Côte d’Ivoire has undergone severe political, social and economic crisis, culminating in a brief civil war in 2002-2003, and a violent conflict after the presidential elections in 2011. A large number of youth remain vulnerable. Helping them find employment is a priority and this project will significantly contribute to that objective” said Madani M. Tall, World Bank Country Director for Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Burkina Faso and Togo.
Côte d’Ivoire Youth Employment and Skills Development Project is consistent with the recommendations of the 2011 World Development Report (WDR), which highlight the critical role of job creation in post-conflict recovery. It also reflects two core areas of the World Bank Africa Strategy: competitiveness and employment; and vulnerability and resilience.
The activities supported by this Grant reflect a continuation of past support to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire while adjusting to the emergency resulting from the recent crisis. “The project is the fruit of a collaborative work between the World Bank and the National Team. It’s now time to move forward and start the implementation process to achieve efficient goals” said Hamoud Abdel Wedoud Kamil, Sr. Education Specialist and Task Team Leader of the project.
The project will serve as a first step in launching measures with immediate impact on employment and livelihoods, building partnerships and launching innovative pilot activities and learning from these experiences for future initiatives.
