Marking the Africa Industrialization Day, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is calling for job creation in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for women and youth to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable industrial development on the continent.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn recent years, many countries in Africa have experienced significant economic growth and progress in human development. However, inclusive and sustainable industrial development remains elusive,\u201d said Mr. in his message<\/a> on the Day<\/a>, marked annually on 20 November.<\/p>\n He pointed out that both youth unemployment and gender inequity jeopardize the continent\u2019s efforts to eradicate poverty.<\/p>\n The private sector in Africa contributes to a projected 80 per cent of the continent\u2019s gross domestic product (GDP) and supports an estimated 90 per cent of all jobs. SMEs have a pivotal role to play in the industrial development of Africa.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ chief noted that the opportunities for youth and women generated by SMEs are limited, thus failing to harness the full entrepreneurial potential of the continent.<\/p>\n \u201cThis means less capacity for transformative socio-economic development, innovation and value addition,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The theme for this year\u2019s Day is \u2018SMEs for Poverty Eradication and Job Creation for Women and Youth.\u2019<\/p>\n In his message, the Secretary-General stressed that Africa needs to invest in training and education for women and youth to industrialize, grow the private sector and achieve sustainable development. \u201cSMEs can provide a solid foundation for sustained economic growth, job creation and poverty eradication,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n The important contribution of inclusive and sustainable industrialization in helping Africa to overcome its critical development challenges is clearly recognized in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development<\/a>adopted by United Nations Member States in September.<\/p>\n \u201cI reaffirm the commitment of the United Nations to enhance Africa\u2019s SME sector and stimulate economic opportunities for women and youth to promote the continent\u2019s progress towards economically enriched, socially inclusive and prosperous societies,\u201d concluded Mr. Ban.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n