The African Development Bank Group has announced the approval of a $71.55 million grant to Ghana to fund a new initiative designed to create employment and promote social stability among women and young people, particularly in the northern regions of the country.
The four-year programme, running from 2026 to 2029, aims to train 28,000 individuals and generate around 22,000 direct jobs along with 6,189 indirect opportunities. The initiative will focus on women aged 36 and above, and young people aged between 18 and 35, reflecting Ghana’s ongoing drive to reduce unemployment and enhance economic inclusion.
“This programme will contribute to Ghana’s efforts in turning its demographic bulge into a dividend by equipping women and youth with market relevant skills, access to finance, and livelihoods opportunities that collectively advance peace and conflict prevention, especially in northern parts of Ghana,” said Ms. Eyerusalem Fasika, the Bank’s Country Manager in Ghana.
The project aligns with the African Development Bank’s Country Strategy Paper for Ghana and supports the government’s “Big Push” plan for accelerated infrastructural growth aimed at driving job creation. It will also play a part in the 24-Hour Economy agenda, which seeks to address youth unemployment through sustainable development and increased productivity.
A key focus of the programme will be addressing economic disparities in regions with entrenched social and structural vulnerabilities. It will adopt an early-intervention approach aimed at reducing risks linked to communal conflicts, farmer-herder clashes, and environmental challenges such as droughts and insecurity stemming from the Sahel region.
The initiative will also modernise technical and vocational education centres to deliver training in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), digital innovation, creative industries, and emerging technologies like generative artificial intelligence. Half of the 28,000 trainees will be women. Additionally, 5,000 women and youths will receive training in agribusiness sectors including poultry, fisheries, beekeeping, and responsible mining, incorporating elements of climate adaptation, peacebuilding, and financial literacy.
To support entrepreneurship, the programme will establish business-to-business linkages and create a micro-credit financing facility for women and youth-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative will further build the capacity of local institutions and district assembly members through training on conflict prevention, gender-based violence, and early marriage awareness.
The project will be delivered through a Results-Based Financing (RBF) mechanism, the first of its kind in Ghana’s Bank portfolio, aimed at strengthening institutional systems and ensuring accountability in implementation.
