Ouagadougou: The Ministry of Employment, through the General Directorate of Youth Empowerment and Continuing Education (DGAJEP), presented checks worth approximately 22 million FCFA on Tuesday in Ouagadougou to beneficiaries of the youth entrepreneurship promotion program, funded by the Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sports of the Francophonie (CONFEJES).
According to Burkina Information Agency, the total amount of checks awarded amounts to 21,917,500 FCFA, including 17,100,000 FCFA intended for the 10 beneficiaries of the 2025 edition and 4,817,500 FCFA granted, as an incentive, to the 10 beneficiaries of the 2024 edition.
Essita Ouali, the beneficiaries’ representative, stated that the checks received constitute a starting point for building viable businesses, creating sustainable jobs, and inspiring other young people. She also called for the continuation and strengthening of the program, which guarantees a better future for young people and the entire nation.
Collette Ouedraogo, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Employment, praised the seriousness of the PPEJ national coordinator, who enabled the selection of the 10 best projects of young Burkinabe. She congratulated the beneficiaries, reminding them that funding must be invested responsibly, with monitoring and evaluation.
Ms. Ouedraogo expressed her gratitude to CONFEJES and other partners for their commitment, while urging young people to perseverance, ingenuity, and hard work, citing President Ibrahim Traore and Nigerian entrepreneur Aliko Dangote as sources of inspiration. She also recalled that the success of the beneficiaries is a source of pride for their families and for Burkina Faso, while contributing to the economic and social development of the country.
CONFEJES representative Abdoul Rachid Abdoul Baki indicated that the youth entrepreneurship promotion program represents a structural and appropriate response to one of the main challenges facing countries in the South, namely youth unemployment. According to him, its implementation, the PPEJ has been well received by both member states and young beneficiaries.
Created in 1994, the PPEJ youth entrepreneurship promotion program has the main objective of supporting young project leaders by facilitating their economic empowerment through the creation of micro-production units.