USADF deepens Nigeria roots for youth employment, development
Joy Agwunobi
Travis Adkins, president and chief executive officer of the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), recently unveiled new initiatives and reinforced partnerships focused on supporting African-led solutions that foster sustainable development and create pathways to prosperity across the country, following a four-day visit to Lagos.
The USADF, which is an independent U.S. government agency dedicated to investing directly in African grassroots enterprises and social entrepreneurs, has been pivotal in promoting self-reliance and market-based solutions to poverty in Nigeria.
Over the past two decades, the USADF Nigeria Programme has focused on enhancing agricultural enterprises, expanding off-grid energy solutions, and advancing youth and women’s employability and entrepreneurship.
Since its inception in 2001, the USADF has invested over $44 million in more than 480 projects across Nigeria, demonstrating its commitment to fostering economic growth, peace, and stability in underserved communities.
A key moment during the USADF CEO’s stay in Lagos was his visit to Reeddi Technologies Limited, a climate-tech company and 2020 winner of the USADF/All On Off-Grid Energy Challenge. During his visit, Adkins announced a new grant to strengthen the company’s work in providing affordable energy solutions to small businesses and households in off-grid, energy-poor communities across Nigeria. The additional funding is set to enhance the design, local assembly, and distribution of Reeddi’s innovative energy products.
The USADF CEO also met with Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Lagos State commissioner for wealth creation and employment, along with the leadership of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF). The meetings culminated in the renewal of the USADF-LSETF Memorandum of Understanding for another five years. The renewed agreement aims to empower 10,000 young Nigerians with essential trade skills, providing a critical boost to employment opportunities in the state.
Another highlight of Adkins’ visit was his participation in a grant award ceremony at Field of Skills and Dreams VTE Academy, a prominent vocational and entrepreneurship training centre founded by Omowale Ogunrinde, a U.S. government exchange alumna. Through the new grant, the academy will provide a 12-week training programme for 400 young people aged 18 to 35, in the hospitality and fashion sectors, with the aim to combat youth unemployment by equipping participants with practical job skills and improving their employment outcomes.
In addition, Adkins attended the launch of the “What If Youth and Women Empowerment Initiative” basketball camp, supported by the USADF and the National Basketball Players Association led by Precious Achiuwa, a Nigerian NBA player. The initiative is designed to empower youth with opportunities on and off the court by building their skills, confidence, and resilience through sports.
Reflecting on the impact of his visit, Adkins noted that Nigeria remains the largest country programme for USADF, and he expressed his commitment to deepening the Foundation’s presence in the country.
“Nigeria is USADF’s largest country program, and I am thrilled to visit Nigeria for the second time in 10 months. Our broad-based partnerships and investments here are a testament to our dedication to supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development across the continent,” he said.