Opportunities Industrialization Centers International (OICI), with the support of leading economists, government agencies, African and global business, donors, and community leaders, will host the Youth Investment Summit: The Road to Economic Growth at the La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, Ghana, May 16, 2013. With hundreds expected to attend, the one-day summit explores the "how" for unlocking human potential in unemployed and underemployed youth throughout Africa; and will focus on the importance of training and investing in Africa's youth force to help the continent strengthen its local communities and reach its economic growth goals.
According to the World Bank, 200 million people in Africa are aged 15-24. Youth constitute approximately 37 percent of the total labor force, but make up approximately 60 percent of total unemployment. Youth in Africa hold great potential as drivers for economic growth through participation in labor markets. However, a large youth population that is not gainfully employed can also be a liability, further undermining growth prospects.
"Africa's young people could serve as the catalyst to revolutionize growth and development as we know it," said Crispian Kirk, President and CEO of OIC International. "Technical and vocational training of Africa's youth will not only empower a generation, but equip the private and public sector with the skilled workforce needed to support their investments and enhance their operations. Training today's youth in Africa must be considered a key strategic component of development and economic growth policy."
The one-day event will include plenary, workshop and networking sessions. Sessions will focus on the current economic status and what it would look like with a better-skilled workforce; successful training and vocational programs; the public and private sector's efforts to building and strengthening their young work forces; and spotlighting youth who have benefited from skill enhancements and how they are contributing to the growth of their employers' operations.
For more information on and to register for the Youth Investment Summit: The Road to Economic Growth, visit www.oici.org
Established in 1971, OIC Ghana provides training in vocational skills and offers counseling, job-placement, and follow-up services to disadvantaged, unskilled, and unemployed Ghanaian youth. OIC Ghana is a nationally recognized organization operating in the Greater Accra Region, the Western Region, the Ashanti Region, Eastern Region, Northern Region and Brong Ahalfo Region.
Opportunities Industrialization Centers International (OIC International) is a non-profit organization headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since 1970, OIC International has differentiated itself by creating indigenous NGOs in developing and transitional countries. OICI uses a sustainable, community-based affiliate model by which an "owner/operator" method is used to instill ownership, consistency and sustainability. OIC International's locally registered affiliates embody the philosophy of self-reliance and operate with an independent local board and staff. This unique affiliate model was born out of the belief that the best way to foster economic change is through the empowerment of the local community. Today OIC International is building capacity of communities through technical and vocational training in agriculture livelihoods, health and nutrition. OIC International is a global organization with affiliates and training centers in 19 countries.
CONTACT: Rashida Petersen, (202) 499-2380 ext. 288 rpetersen@oici.org
