GCA Announces Support for the Djibouti – Youth Entrepreneurship for Climate Change Adaptation Project
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otterdam, Netherlands, 12 July 2024 – The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) announced its support for the Youth Entrepreneurship for Climate Change Adaptation Project (PEJACC) in Djibouti this week. This groundbreaking initiative will empower young entrepreneurs to build climate resilience in the face of increasing environmental challenges. Financed by the bank, IFAD, the Government of Djibouti and partner financial institutions, the project aims to boost climate adaptation efforts while creating sustainable jobs for young people.
Djibouti faces some of the most extreme impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, drought, and irregular rainfall. With 88% of the population living in coastal areas, the country is also vulnerable to sea-level rise and flooding. These climate threats, combined with limited water resources, pose significant challenges to entrepreneurship and economic development, particularly in agriculture and livestock.
GCA will focus on providing targeted capacity-building support to young rural entrepreneurs whose businesses are most vulnerable to climate impacts. This training will equip them with the skills needed to manage climate adaptation challenges and scale their businesses successfully. The program includes:
- Training in climate-smart agricultural practices and business management.
- A curriculum tailored to the specific needs of youth-led enterprises, including skills in fundraising and managing climate risks.
- Ongoing support and guidance to ensure the long-term resilience of these businesses in the face of climate change.
Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, emphasized the importance of youth engagement in climate adaptation, stating:
“Young entrepreneurs are key to building a more climate-resilient future. By investing in their capacity to innovate and adapt to the realities of climate change, we are not only creating jobs but also laying the foundation for a sustainable economy in Djibouti. The PEJAC project is a powerful example of how targeted support for youth can lead to transformative change.”
The project is set to begin in September 2024 and run through August 2030. GCA’s involvement will ensure that Djibouti’s young entrepreneurs are well-equipped to face the challenges of climate change while driving economic growth and job creation.
Notes to Editors
About the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP)
The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) is a joint initiative by the African Development Bank and the Global Center on Adaptation, aimed at mobilizing $25 billion over five years to scale up climate adaptation in Africa. Since its launch, the AAAP has integrated climate adaptation measures into over $10 billion in investments, helping to build climate resilience for millions across the continent.
About the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA):
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate-proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent.
Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.
