Abu Dhabi: In a landmark initiative, the United Arab Emirates and the Brazil Africa Institute (IBRAF) are partnering to enhance technical skills among young Africans.
According to Philippines News Agency, the upcoming Youth Technical Training Programme (YTTP) will equip 50 professionals from both Angola and Guinea-Bissau with advanced skills and specialised expertise in the cocoa and cashew industries, respectively. The initiative reflects strong international cooperation, bringing together four countries from three continents - Asia, Africa, and South America.
Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 (End Hunger), 4 (Quality Education), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), the IBRAF programme aims to bridge the knowledge and skills gap to address the diverse needs of selected African countries. This initiative holds significant economic importance for two reasons. First, the cashew industry is crucial to Guinea-Bissau's economy, comprising over 90 percent of its exports. Second, cocoa was ranked the most valuable commodity of 2024, with African countries - especially those along the West African coast, like Angola - leading global production and holding immense potential to impact the international market.
Professionals from Guinea-Bissau will receive hands-on training at Embrapa Tropical Agroindustry in Fortaleza, Cear¡, and participants from Angola will attend the Mixed Cocoa Research and Innovation Unit (UMIPI) in the city of Ilh©us, Bahia, in Brazil. Following this, the second phase of the programme will be held at key institutions in the UAE, which is actively contributing to the programme with curriculum preparation, training experts, and financial support.
Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, stated that this partnership exemplifies the UAE's commitment to fostering sustainable development and empowering communities through knowledge and skills transfer. By investing in education and capacity-building in critical industries like agriculture, the UAE is contributing to the long-term economic growth and resilience of African nations. The initiative also addresses global challenges such as food security and economic inequality.
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, emphasized the UAE's diverse efforts in Africa, which focus on international development, humanitarian assistance, and investment, with a commitment to key challenges such as food security, climate action, economic development, and healthcare improvement. He highlighted the potential of international collaboration in driving positive change across the continent.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Mauro Vieira, recognized IBRAF's role in fostering closer ties between Brazil and African nations through capacity-building programmes. He praised the Youth Technical Training Programme for its emphasis on transferring knowledge, skills, and technology, areas in which Brazil is recognized as a global leader.
Professor Joo Bosco Monte, President of IBRAF, explained that the YTTP applies tailored professional development strategies that address the specific needs of African nations. By leveraging Brazil's expertise in key industries, the program ensures that participants gain technical knowledge and practical skills, which can drive meaningful change in their communities.
Angolan Minister of External Relations, Tet© Ant³nio, stressed the program's significance for Angola's agricultural goals and its role in achieving sustainable development through international partnerships. M'bala Fernandes, Guinea-Bissau's Ambassador in Brazil, highlighted the importance of the initiative for strengthening Guinea-Bissau's cashew production and competitiveness in the international market.
First introduced at the 2024 African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, this edition of the YTTP is committed to training 1,000 young Africans by the end of 2025, empowering the next generation of agricultural professionals to drive economic growth and innovation in their respective countries.
