Empowering Youth through Entrepreneurship Training in Togo
Junior Achievement Africa (JA Africa) has partnered with Union Chrétienne de Jeunes Gens Togo (YMCA Togo) and Boeing to deliver a transformative entrepreneurship training program to 738 high school students in Togo this year. This initiative focuses on equipping young individuals with the necessary skills to tackle sustainability challenges in their communities.
The JA Company Program in Togo
The JA Company Program has provided a comprehensive educational experience that includes various modules integral to entrepreneurship. Students engaged in identifying problems, generating creative ideas, conducting market research, designing business models, and developing business plans. They also learned essential skills in financial management, marketing, and sustainable business practices.
Student Success Stories
Through this structured learning, participants were able to create and responsibly manage their enterprises, demonstrating a clear understanding of their community’s needs. “In Africa, young people have the ideas and energy to drive meaningful change,” stated Henok Teferra Shawl, Boeing managing director for Africa. This initiative has already benefited over 5,000 young individuals across the continent, leading to the establishment of 45 student-led businesses in Togo alone, contributing significantly to local economic opportunities.
National Youth Entrepreneurship Competition
On March 14, 2023, students participated in the national youth entrepreneurship competition held in Lomé, where they showcased their innovative business projects. Forty students from ten schools presented their ideas to judges, with SmartAir from CS BAPTISTE, Kangnikopé, earning the grand prize. Their project featured an intelligent ventilation system that activates based on temperature, highlighting the creativity fostered through the program.
Transforming Mindsets and Communities
“Young people, when given the opportunity to build real businesses, begin to see themselves differently— as value creators and agents of change,” explained Vincent Supparayen, director of strategy and development for non-anglophone Africa at Junior Achievement Africa. The program not only develops entrepreneurial skills but also instills a sustainability mindset essential for community success.
The Role of YMCA Togo
YMCA Togo has played a crucial role in this program by empowering youth to become change-makers in their environments. “We believe that every young person has the potential to transform their community,” affirmed Mr. Dodji Kevin FIASHINOU, national president of YMCA-Togo. The JA Company Program provides the tools necessary for youth to manage businesses while simultaneously promoting sustainable practices.
Partnerships Driving Change Across Africa
JA Africa and Boeing have collaborated since 2021, implementing entrepreneurship initiatives in several African nations, including Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal, alongside the recent efforts in Togo. Alumni of these programs have proven their capabilities by launching businesses and creating job opportunities in their communities.
Addressing Youth Unemployment
With one of the fastest-growing youth populations globally, Africa faces significant challenges regarding youth unemployment. The International Labor Organization reports that young people in Sub-Saharan Africa are more likely to confront unemployment compared to adults. In Togo, limited formal job opportunities have led to a rise in irregular migration, as young individuals seek better prospects abroad, a trend highlighted by the World Bank. This program directly tackles the issue of youth unemployment.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Junior Achievement (JA) Africa.
Media Contacts:
Ellen Ukpi
JA Africa Marketing and Communications
info@ja-africa.org
Evgeniia Teterina
Boeing Communications
evgeniia.teterina@boeing.com
About Junior Achievement Africa
Junior Achievement Africa is a leading youth-serving NGO focused on the economic empowerment of young Africans. Annually, it reaches over 1.6 million young people across 23 countries, fostering essential skills in entrepreneurship, work readiness, financial literacy, STEM, and digital capabilities. The organization aims to prepare young individuals to tackle real-world challenges, launch businesses, and confidently enter the workforce. For more information, visit www.JA-Africa.org.
About YMCA Togo
Founded in 1844, YMCA has been active in Togo since 1903, transitioning from youth activities within the Evangelical Church to an autonomous NGO dedicated to youth development. Its focus areas include citizenship education, youth health, and entrepreneurship. YMCA Togo is recognized as a vital contributor to youth leadership and development in the region. Discover more at www.YMCATogo.org.
About Boeing Africa
Boeing is a global aerospace leader and a significant player in U.S. exports, with a long-standing commitment to Africa’s aviation landscape. With a market share of 70% in African commercial aviation, the company invests substantially in community partnerships and educational programs. For further information, visit https://www.Boeing.Africa.
