She urged AUDA-NEPAD to place Nigeria at the forefront of implementing the African Demographic Dividend Programme, arguing that such support would help create jobs, strengthen entrepreneurship, build resilient communities and promote inclusive development. The minister also sought greater collaboration in women empowerment and private sector development, describing both sectors as indispensable to achieving broad-based economic transformation in Africa’s most populous nation. Responding, Bekele-Thomas welcomed Nigeria’s renewed commitment to the agency and pledged AUDA-NEPAD’s continued support for the country’s development priorities. “As Africa’s premier development agency, we are excited to deepen our collaboration with Nigeria, working together to create new economic opportunities, empower communities and translate the aspirations of Agenda 2063 into tangible benefits for the people,” she said. Successive governments have identified youth development, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and private sector expansion as critical pillars for achieving inclusive economic development.