Japan to fund $7m UNIDO projects in Africa

The Government of Japan will fund projects to be implemented in Africa by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) worth over $7 million.

The projects, according to UNIDO in a press statement March 2, 2012, aim to provide vocational training and equipment for productive activities to help increase employment opportunities and income generation for vulnerable groups, especially those affected by recent conflicts.

The African countries to benefit from the package are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia and South Sudan.

The Director-General of UNIDO, Kandeh K. Yumkella said “This new funding is another illustration of our strong partnership, which is vital for UNIDO’s activities aimed at sustainable industrial development in developing countries.”

The Permanent Representative of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna, Ambassador Toshiro Ozawa hopes the contribution will support UNIDO in producing tangible results within the scope of the projects.

By Ekow Quandzie