Nigeria Must Invest in Young Entrepreneurs, Says Ex-AfDB President Adesina

Former African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Akinwumi Adesina, has emphasized the need for Nigeria to invest in its young entrepreneurs. According to multiple reports, Adesina, in a recent speech, highlighted the importance of providing access to affordable capital for young Nigerians to thrive in business. The call comes at a time when the Nigerian economy is grappling with high unemployment rates and a growing youth population. Adesina, who led the AfDB from 2015 to 2025, is well known for his advocacy for youth empowerment and agricultural transformation in Africa. His appeal for investment in young Nigerian entrepreneurs resonates with the government’s drive to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil. While the Nigerian government has shown some commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, more needs to be done to ensure sustainable growth and job creation among Nigeria’s youth. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, youth unemployment in Nigeria stood at 32.5% as of Q1 2026. This underscores the urgent need for investment in the country’s young people to unlock their potential and drive economic growth.