Youth Inclusion Project in Benin – ProDIJ

The Youth Inclusion Project in Benin – ProDIJ – is an economic inclusion project aimed at improving access to employment, professional skills, and entrepreneurial opportunities for vulnerable young people aged 15 to 30, particularly those with low levels of education or working in the informal economy. The project is based on an integrated approach combining technical and vocational training, entrepreneurial support, cash transfers, job placement, and strengthening of public employment services. The project also serves as an expansion framework for Azôli, a national professional integration program whose name means "path to employment" in the Fon language. Originally designed to be implemented until 2025, the program has benefited from additional funding approved by the World Bank, allowing the extension of activities and the extension of the project closing date until June 2027.

🏢 Increase economic inclusion:
Integrate 60,500 vulnerable youth into salaried jobs or agri-food value chains through training and subsidies.

📈 Strengthen employment services:
Develop the capacity of the National Employment Agency (ANPE) for an integrated national employability program.

🎓 Improve vocational training:
Upgrade the TVET system to meet market needs, with a focus on low-skilled youth.

💰 Access to capital and financial services:
Facilitate access for young entrepreneurs to appropriate financing and financial services.