Nigeria has urged the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD) to prioritize the country in implementing the African Demographic Dividend Programme and key regional initiatives to unlock inclusive economic growth for its vast youth population.

?The appeal was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during a bilateral meeting with AUDA-NEPAD Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, on the sidelines of the African Union Executive Council Meeting held on July 27–28 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

?Highlighting that over 70 percent of Nigeria’s population is made up of young people, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed the urgent need for targeted investments in youth development, women's empowerment, and private sector expansion.

She emphasized that stronger synergy between the AUDA-NEPAD Continental Secretariat and its National Focal Office in Abuja is vital for effective project execution.

?The Minister commended AUDA-NEPAD’s leadership for mobilizing $100 million for the African Demographic Dividend Programme and praised Ms. Bekele-Thomas for her strategic resource mobilization and implementation of flagship projects under Agenda 2063’s Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan.

Recalling Nigeria's status as a founding member of NEPAD, Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the nation's steadfast support and commitment to annual voluntary funding contributions.

?In response, Ms. Bekele-Thomas welcomed Nigeria’s renewed commitment, pledging the Agency's readiness to align with the country's economic goals. She reaffirmed AUDA-NEPAD's dedication to deepening collaboration with Nigeria to empower local communities and deliver tangible benefits in line with Agenda 2063.