UNDP, Academy empower 100 youths in bag-making

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with LELOOK Academy, says it will train 100 young women and youths in bag-making as part of efforts to boost trade in Africa. 

Claire Henshaw, National Programme Specialist and Trade Focal Point at UNDP, speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, emphasised the importance of addressing the continent’s low levels of internal trade. 

She said through the collaboration with LELOOK Academy, which has been recognised for its high-quality bag-making products, the programme will help Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) overcome the challenge of accessing skilled manpower and ensure that “we’re empowering businesses like LELOOK to further empower smaller businesses, feeding into their value chain.”

Chinwe Ezenwa, Managing Director and CEO of LELOOK Bag Academy, highlighted the importance of building capacity for trade under AfCFTA. 

“Bags are one of the biggest businesses in the world, and at the end of this three-month programme, I want to build an army of young people that can face the African Free Continental Trade Area,” she said.