Nigeria is geared toward the launch of A New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Skills Initiative for Africa (SIFA) Funding Window 1 initiated by NEPAD-South Africa.
This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, William Alo, at the virtual meeting of key stakeholders on the launch of New Partnership for Africa’s Development Skills Initiative for Africa Funding Window 1 in Nigeria by NEPAD- South Africa held in Abuja.
Alo noted that there are 3 Funding Windows under SIFA which include large skill development investment projects proposed by domestic training entities in partnership with companies.
Other aspects of the window are skill development investment projects proposed by international private sector entities in collaboration with domestic skills training entities and innovative skills promotion pilot projects proposed by domestic training entities in partnership with public or private components.
According to Alo, the meeting is timely, coming amid the COVID 19 outbreak which threatens to reverse gains achieved at global, regional and national levels through efforts and initiatives targeted at improved skills development and employment creation especially for vulnerable group.
He reiterated that, “livelihood has been affected in both formal and informal sectors of economies with potential negative labour market and employment outcome for all.”
Furthermore, the project according to him could not have come at a better time than now where all countries in Africa are jump-starting their economies with the aim of building their economy back better.
He informed participants that the Federal Government had recently approved a National Economic Sustainability Plan to provide framework for interventions to ensure restoring economic growth and performance as well as employment creation.
The SIFA project, Alo said would contribute meaningfully to “our collective rebuilding effort at regional and National levels and I am looking forward to reviewing the results of its implementation in Nigeria.”
The virtual meeting was attended by Princess Gloria Akobundu, National Coordinator NEPAD-Nigeria, Andre-Marie Taptue, Africa Development Bank, Dr. Timoty Olawale, Director General, Nigerian Employers Consultative Association, Eng. Ifeanyi C. Oputa, DG NASSI, Ambassador, Mrs. N’zi Hassan, AUDA NEPAD, Ayoola Olukanmi, DG, NACCIMA, Professor Anyang Agbor, African Union, Dr. Martina Nwordu Director, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, among others.
Charles Akpan
Deputy Director/Head (Press and Public Relations)
30th June, 2020
