We are thrilled to announce a strategic collaboration with the Youth Alliance for Leadership and Development in Africa (YALDA) and its partners for the upcoming biennial i-Boot camp, scheduled to take place from 21st to 25th February 2024. Hosted at the Future Africa Centre at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, this collaborative effort signifies a commitment to fostering innovation, supporting early-stage ventures, and uplifting the next generation of African leaders and entrepreneurs.
This collaboration brings together ABAN’s wealth of experience and expertise in fostering innovation and supporting early-stage ventures with YALDA’s mission to empower and elevate African youth. It reflects a joint dedication to creating opportunities that drive positive change and economic development across the continent.
Empowering Youth for AfCFTA Implementation: Breaking Information Barriers
Aligned with YALDA’s AfCFTA campaign, “Umoja Africa Campaign – Youth Contributing to the Implementation of the AfCFTA,” the 2024 i-Boot Camp carries the theme, “Breaking Information Barriers on Intra-Africa Trade: Accelerating Youth Inclusiveness in Implementing the AfCFTA.” This theme aims to raise awareness of the concepts, benefits, and opportunities available to youth through regional integration and intra-Africa trade.
Youth Inclusiveness and Information Symmetry: This year’s i-Boot Camp holds particular significance as it serves as the culmination of all activities related to the AfCFTA campaign. The strategically designed activities aim to break down information asymmetry surrounding the AfCFTA and empower youth to lead discussions around their inclusion in implementing the agreement instruments.
According to Grant Davis, the Chairperson of the i-Boot Camp, YALDA’s collaboration with ABAN provides youth with opportunities to ignite entrepreneurial growth. “Participants will gain access to finance, receive guidance from ABAN’s network of early-stage investors, and acquire the skills necessary to transform their business ideas into successful ventures,” Grant said.
Igniting Entrepreneurial Growth: Access, Guidance, and Skills Development: Grant Davis emphasized that the partnership aims to ignite entrepreneurial growth across Africa. Through this collaboration, aspiring entrepreneurs will not only gain vital access to finance but also benefit from invaluable guidance from ABAN’s extensive network of early-stage investors. The partnership further equips them with the essential skills needed to transform innovative ideas into successful and sustainable businesses.
Fadilah Tchoumba, CEO of ABAN, expresses ABAN’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial growth: “YALDA’s strategic partnership with ABAN is a testament to our commitment to fostering entrepreneurial growth across Africa. This collaboration provides aspiring entrepreneurs with not only vital access to finance but also invaluable guidance from ABAN’s extensive network of early-stage investors. Moreover, it equips them with the essential skills needed to transform their innovative ideas into successful and sustainable businesses. Through this synergy, we aim to empower the next generation of African leaders, driving positive change and economic development on the continent,” she said.
As ABAN and YALDA join forces for i-Boot Camp 2024, the synergy between our expertise and missions creates a powerful platform for positive change. Together, we aim to empower African youth, break down barriers, and accelerate the implementation of the AfCFTA, fostering a new generation of innovative and impactful leaders. A collaboration that stands as a true testament to the collective commitment to shaping a brighter future for Africa.
