Dakar (Senegal), July 11, 2023 – Junior Achievement Africa (JA Africa) and Boeing are expanding their partnership to introduce the Boeing Sustainability Program in Senegal.
This new joint effort aims to empower and upskill 500 young Senegalese individuals aged 15-25, with a special emphasis on promoting gender equity by targeting a 50% female participation rate.
The Boeing Sustainability Program in Senegal will span two years, encompassing activities designed to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment among Senegal’s youth. The program will consist of three stages, starting with innovation camps. Subsequently, participants will have the opportunity to enroll in the Junior Achievement Digital Entrepreneurship Education Program (JA DEEP) to enhance their entrepreneurial skills and mindset. The program will culminate with a Business Pitch Competition, where participants can showcase their growth and potential.
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, said: “Senegal, like many countries, is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The Boeing Sustainability Program aims to provide Senegalese youth with the required know-how to become catalysts for sustainable development, driving change in their communities and beyond. We strongly believe in the pivotal role that education and youth empowerment play in promoting sustainable practices.”
All teams will be supported by experienced mentors to develop solutions and business ideas to mitigate the impact of stark climate change in Senegal. The program also marks a significant stride in tackling youth unemployment and advancing economic development in Senegal. Young people in Senegal represent 55% of the overall population.
“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Boeing into Senegal through the launch of the Boeing Sustainability Program,” said Simi Nwogugu, CEO of JA Africa. “This program aligns with our shared commitment to equipping young people with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed in the 21st-century economy. We are confident that the project will empower a new generation of innovative and environmentally conscious entrepreneurs in Senegal.”
Boeing has partnered with over 40 organizations and invested over $22 million since 2006 to support systemic improvements in education, economic empowerment and the alleviation of poverty in Africa. Together with governments and non-governmental organizations Boeing has been rolling out STEM for Sustainability programs on the African continent, namely in Egypt and Morocco. Now Boeing and JA Africa are embarking on the first sustainability and social equity program in Sub-Saharan Africa.
About Boeing:
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Boeing’s history in Africa dates back nearly 75 years. Boeing planes have formed the backbone of the continent’s commercial fleet. With more than 60 airline customers operating about 500 Boeing airplanes throughout Africa, Boeing represents nearly 70% of the airplane market currently in service across the continent. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.
About Junior Achievement Africa:
JA Africa is one of Africa’s largest and most-impactful youth-serving NGOs. JA Africa’s mission is to prepare Africa’s youth for the future of jobs. Through the delivery of hands-on, blended learning in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, we empower young people to grow their entrepreneurial ideas, hone their work skills, manage their earnings, and secure better lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. JA Africa has a presence in 16 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and collectively reaches over 390,000 young people in more than 3,000 schools each year. Learn more at www.ja-africa.org
