The African Institute for Capacity Development (AICAD) is launching initiatives to address youth unemployment in East Africa through technical training, research fellowships, and entrepreneurship programs. The institute is working with universities and technical institutions in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to equip young people with practical skills. AICAD's goal is to support scientific research and prepare graduates to establish businesses and create employment. This effort aims to strengthen the capacity of communities across the region.
AICAD's initiatives were discussed during the 25th AICAD Governing Board meeting on October 29, 2026. The board's chairperson, Dr. Kedrace Turyagyenda, emphasized the need for programs to respond directly to the evolving needs of the East African Community. Turyagyenda, also Uganda's Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Sports, highlighted the importance of regional agency for AICAD. The three partner states have committed to supporting the institute to achieve its goals.
AICAD Executive Director Prof James Njiru stated that the institute is focused on giving young people the skills and opportunities to become economically independent. The institute aims to equip Africa's youth with actionable capabilities, scientific rigor, and entrepreneurial independence. By providing young people with the tools to create value, AICAD seeks to build resilient communities across East Africa. This approach is expected to have a long-term impact on the region.
One of AICAD's interventions is the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) program, launched in February 2026 at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). The training targets students preparing to enter the job market or start businesses, equipping them with skills in business planning, marketing, and financial management. This program aims to support young people in establishing their own businesses and creating employment opportunities.
Kisii University Vice-Chancellor Prof Nathan Ogechi, who chairs AICAD's Board Technical Committee, reported that the institute has trained about 200 young people to start and manage businesses across different value chains. AICAD continues to have an impact in the lives of the people of East Africa. The institute's efforts focus on supporting postgraduate education and scientific research through partnerships with international research institutions.
The institute's initiatives have shown positive results, with a significant number of young people trained to start and manage businesses. AICAD's programs are designed to address the specific needs of the East African Community, ensuring relevance and long-term impact. By equipping young people with practical skills and entrepreneurial independence, AICAD aims to contribute to the region's economic growth and development.
AICAD's efforts to address youth unemployment in East Africa are ongoing, with the institute working to strengthen its capacity to support communities across the region. The institute's focus on technical training, research fellowships, and entrepreneurship programs is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of young people in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Key points
- AICAD trains young people in entrepreneurship programs
- Institute works with universities in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
- AICAD aims to equip youth with practical skills and entrepreneurial independence
