Ghanaian business incubator and youth employment organisation, The Africa Skills Hub has announced its partnership with Canada World Youth to implement the Women’s Entrepreneurship and Livelihoods Initiative (WELI) programme in the country with support from Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
The project will see women in the country being trained in entrepreneurship and livelihood skills.
The programme support outfit, the Global Affairs Canada (www.International.gc.ca/) is the department of the Gvernment of Canada which manages all diplomatic relations and promotes internatioanl trade as well as provides consular support. It is also the department that oversees international development, humanitarian, and peace and security efforts.
According to the Executive Director at the African Skills Hub, Daniel Antwi, teh impact of COVID-19 is being felt by many women as it has affected their survival but the programme will help restore hope.
He said, “COVID 19 has threatened the survival of many women businesses, there is still much hope in building back better. There is recovery ahead, and whilst Covid may have disrupted so many things it has however also provided enormous alternative opportunities to diversify and do gender responsive programming in a new way”
The project has officially begun various activities in Ghana and Senegal including two peri-urban councils in Sagnarigu district in the Northern region as well as in a rural setting in Afadzato South, Volta region.
Over the years, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have played a critical role in Africa’s socio-economic development by producing critical goods and services, creating jobs, helping to reduce poverty, and promoting economic growth. The MSME sector has also provided women and youth opportunities to harness their economic potential. It is estimated by the World Bank that about one third of all MSMEs in Africa are owned by women.
The overall outcome of WELI is to increase economic empowerment to strengthen resilience for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) most affected by COVID-19 in targeted areas in Ghana and Senegal.
