YAWWA entrepreneurs recognised

In July 2016, participants within the Youth, Advocacy, Women, Work, and Alliances (YAWWA) project attended a reception with Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden and the United States’ Ambassador to Niger, Eunice Reddick, at the Ambassador’s Residence to showcase entrepreneurship in Niger.

Twelve YAWWA social entrepreneurs had the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs from Niamey and present their activities to Dr. Biden and Ambassador Reddick.

YAWWA’s social entrepreneur Abdoulkader Mamadou Lamine was one of six entrepreneurs invited to display their products at the reception. Lamine’s enterprise E3D (pictured above) produces organic products such as soap, pesticides, and fertilisers made from neem seeds. Dr. Biden and Ambassador Reddick both gave speeches congratulating the creativity, persistence, and motivation of entrepreneurs in Niger. Dr. Biden also called for all attendees to engage in active mentorship of other young entrepreneurs. Mentorship and peer learning are key components of YAWWA’s model to create a culture of social entrepreneurship in Niger. The YAWWA social entrepreneurs were grateful for the opportunity to share their ideas and were honored to be invited to the reception.

SNV implements YAWWA in partnership with USAID to develop youth leaders and social entrepreneurs who will increase civic engagement and people-to-people resilience, and create a culture of entrepreneurship, throughout Niger. YAWWA equips young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources necessary to identify, engage, and pursue meaningful opportunities and fosters an environment of innovation and exchange among youth leaders.