Initial Situation
The Republic of Niger ranks second last in the United Nations Human Development Index (2016) (187 out of 188). Of the 19.9 million inhabitants (2015), almost 60 percent live below the national poverty line. If population growth remains unchanged, the population is expected to double every 20 years or so. 70 percent of the Nigerien population is under 25 years of age.
In recent years Niger has developed into one of the most important transit countries for West African migrants on their way to North Africa and Europe. The regions of Agadez and Zinder are on the main routes. In the course of the migration economy, direct or downstream, partly illegal employment opportunities for the local population have arisen here. The employment effects and economic development in the region are very fragile and unsustainable. The adoption of a new migration law (2016) and the criminalization of the migration economy mean substantial income losses.
The Nigerien economy does not generate enough work for the rapidly growing young population. A formal labour market hardly exists and employs only 7 per cent of the working population; only 0.5 per cent of the working population works in companies with more than five employees. The Nigerien labour market is characterized by underemployment and poverty despite employment. Especially young people are affected. They lack economic perspectives. The overall employment and income situation of the Nigerian population is inadequate.
Goal
The employment and income situation of the local population in the regions of Agadez and Zinder has improved.
Methodology
The project implements measures to promote employment and the economy, supplemented by short-term, income-generating emergency measures. The aim is to counteract the precarious labour market and poverty situation. The project works with an integrated approach to employment promotion and covers the three pillars of labour market demand, supply and placement. In addition, it contributes to improving the regional framework conditions.
The project pursues a multi-level approach. It works in four fields of action:
1. strengthening regional structures and their capacity to shape employment policy
The regional dialogue and coordination between private and public actors will be strengthened. The project supports the regional representatives and state ministries in the overarching coordination and implementation of employment-related measures in accordance with the regional development plans. This is also a contribution to the hitherto sluggish pace of decentralization. Greater involvement of local political actors in central decision-making and planning processes is also made possible.
2. implementation of employment-promoting cash-for-work measures
In close cooperation with the local authorities, priority measures are identified on the basis of labour market analyses and based on the municipal and regional development plans, which are implemented by CfW measures.
3. improving the supply of support measures to promote business start-ups in potential sectors
First, an analysis of the local potential sectors for vocational qualification in the intervention areas will be carried out. Furthermore, public and private institutions supported by the project offer short-term qualifications for young people. The graduates will then be supported in setting up their own businesses by coaching services.
4. improving the access of micro and small enterprises to business services
The holistic, demand-oriented approach to improving income and employment opportunities includes Identification of local business models, sensitization and training as well as sustainable consulting and coaching services.
Impact
The project supports and advises the regional authorities in the overarching planning and implementation of employment-related measures. Among other things, a functional coordination mechanism for vocational training and employment was established and an action plan for employment promotion for 2019 was drawn up and implemented in the two intervention regions Agadez and Zinder. In addition, 35 experts and officials from the regional structures were able to strengthen their capacities in the area of employment promotion through capacity building measures.
The methodical approach promotes the active role of the regional structures and creates a high degree of identification with the implementation and the results. This ensures that the regional authorities will be able to implement employment promotion measures independently in the long term.
The Cash for Work measures initiated by the project have attracted around 8,640 young people. As the works include erosion control and the rehabilitation of public buildings such as schools and hospitals, the infrastructure in the region improved. In addition, almost 2,300 people have benefited from the measures - training, coaching, provision of starter kits - to generate income and promote vocational integration.
In addition, 290 young people are currently being trained in potential sectors (solar energy, car mechanics, metal and aluminum processing, tile laying) in selected vocational centers that have received equipment and installations.
144 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises participate in the first cycle of the successfully introduced training and coaching system (SME Business Training & Coaching Loop) to strengthen the capacity of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).