An ambitious initiative to combat youth unemployment and promote sustainable development is underway in N’Djamena, Chad. The city’s municipal authorities, in collaboration with the National Office for Employment Promotion (ONAPE), have launched a program to train and integrate 200 young people into green professions, particularly urban farming.
Launch ceremony marks new chapter in youth employment
The official kickoff event took place on July 15, 2026, at the Kuweïte space in the Farcha district of the First Arrondissement. The ceremony brought together local leaders, government officials, and the young participants, symbolizing a collective commitment to fostering economic resilience and environmental stewardship.
Mahamat Alhafiz Idriss, head of the agricultural credit department at ONAPE, emphasized the project’s core mission: equipping young people with skills that lead to stable, income-generating opportunities. Djamal Moussa Yaya, mayor of the First Arrondissement, praised the coordinated effort between institutions to turn the tide on youth unemployment through practical solutions.
Green jobs seen as key to sustainable growth
Nassouradine Abakar Kessou, Director General of ONAPE, highlighted the urgent need to address Chad’s youth employment crisis. Despite the country’s abundant natural resources, the unemployment and underemployment rates among young people remain alarmingly high. He stressed that vocational training in green sectors is not just beneficial—it is essential for building a sustainable future.
Seid Adji Seid, Special Advisor to the Mayor of N’Djamena, outlined how the MIDI Plan—grounded in five strategic pillars—serves as the city’s proactive response to youth aspirations. The pillars include civic engagement, hands-on training, entrepreneurship support, urban agriculture, and cultural industries. He noted that this approach reflects the city’s commitment to empowering its youth and enhancing their quality of life.
Addressing the young graduates directly, Seid Adji Seid delivered a powerful message: “You are no longer job seekers waiting for opportunities—you are now the champions of ecological transition in our capital. The green careers you are entering today are not temporary solutions; they are pathways that harmonize economic progress, environmental conservation, and community well-being.”
A fertile future for 200 young farmers
Each participant has completed technical training in urban farming and will soon begin cultivating a ten-hectare plot dedicated to sustainable agriculture. This initiative not only creates jobs but also strengthens food security and promotes eco-friendly practices in the heart of N’Djamena.
