emirates7 - In a groundbreaking collaboration, the United Arab Emirates and the Brazil Africa Institute (IBRAF) are launching the Youth Technical Training Programme (YTTP) to develop the technical expertise of young Africans. The programme will initially train 50 professionals—selected from Angola and Guinea-Bissau—providing them with advanced, specialised skills in the cocoa and cashew industries, respectively.
This initiative is a testament to global cooperation, uniting four countries across three continents—Asia, Africa, and South America. It aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 4 (Quality Education), and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), with a mission to close the skills gap in African nations and support their economic progress.
Economically, the programme carries significant weight. Cashew exports make up over 90% of Guinea-Bissau’s trade, and cocoa has emerged as the most valuable commodity in 2024. West African nations, including Angola, dominate global cocoa production, offering huge potential for economic growth through improved agricultural practices.
Professionals from Guinea-Bissau will undergo practical training at Embrapa Tropical Agroindustry in Fortaleza, Ceará, while Angolan participants will attend the Mixed Cocoa Research and Innovation Unit (UMIPI) in Ilhéus, Bahia. The programme’s second phase will take place in the UAE, where the country is playing a key role in shaping the curriculum, providing expert trainers, and offering financial backing.
UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, stated that the initiative illustrates the UAE’s dedication to sustainable development by investing in education and skill-building. She emphasized the importance of empowering communities in vital sectors like agriculture, which can enhance food security and reduce economic inequality.
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, highlighted the initiative as part of the UAE’s broader efforts in Africa, which focus on development, humanitarian aid, and investment. He underscored the power of international collaboration in addressing global issues and creating a connected, prosperous future.
Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, praised IBRAF’s work in strengthening Brazil-Africa relations through initiatives like YTTP, which are tailored for African professionals and focus on knowledge and technology transfer in areas where Brazil has global expertise.
IBRAF President Professor João Bosco Monte said the programme uses customised development strategies to meet African nations’ specific needs. By tapping into Brazil’s agricultural know-how, the programme ensures participants gain both theoretical and hands-on experience that can help boost local economies and reinforce agricultural value chains.
Angola’s Minister of External Relations, Teté António, described the programme as key to the country's long-term agricultural goals. He stressed that such international partnerships are vital for modernising Angola’s agriculture and achieving sustainable development.
Similarly, Guinea-Bissau’s Ambassador to Brazil, M’bala Fernandes, underlined the importance of cashew production to his nation’s economy. He welcomed the UAE’s involvement and said the initiative would strengthen Guinea-Bissau’s competitiveness in the global cashew market by enhancing local production and processing capacity.
Initially announced at the 2024 African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, this YTTP edition aims to train 1,000 young African professionals by the end of 2025, equipping them to become key drivers of agricultural innovation and economic growth in their home countries.
This initiative is a testament to global cooperation, uniting four countries across three continents—Asia, Africa, and South America. It aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 4 (Quality Education), and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), with a mission to close the skills gap in African nations and support their economic progress.
Economically, the programme carries significant weight. Cashew exports make up over 90% of Guinea-Bissau’s trade, and cocoa has emerged as the most valuable commodity in 2024. West African nations, including Angola, dominate global cocoa production, offering huge potential for economic growth through improved agricultural practices.
Professionals from Guinea-Bissau will undergo practical training at Embrapa Tropical Agroindustry in Fortaleza, Ceará, while Angolan participants will attend the Mixed Cocoa Research and Innovation Unit (UMIPI) in Ilhéus, Bahia. The programme’s second phase will take place in the UAE, where the country is playing a key role in shaping the curriculum, providing expert trainers, and offering financial backing.
UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, stated that the initiative illustrates the UAE’s dedication to sustainable development by investing in education and skill-building. She emphasized the importance of empowering communities in vital sectors like agriculture, which can enhance food security and reduce economic inequality.
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State, highlighted the initiative as part of the UAE’s broader efforts in Africa, which focus on development, humanitarian aid, and investment. He underscored the power of international collaboration in addressing global issues and creating a connected, prosperous future.
Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, praised IBRAF’s work in strengthening Brazil-Africa relations through initiatives like YTTP, which are tailored for African professionals and focus on knowledge and technology transfer in areas where Brazil has global expertise.
IBRAF President Professor João Bosco Monte said the programme uses customised development strategies to meet African nations’ specific needs. By tapping into Brazil’s agricultural know-how, the programme ensures participants gain both theoretical and hands-on experience that can help boost local economies and reinforce agricultural value chains.
Angola’s Minister of External Relations, Teté António, described the programme as key to the country's long-term agricultural goals. He stressed that such international partnerships are vital for modernising Angola’s agriculture and achieving sustainable development.
Similarly, Guinea-Bissau’s Ambassador to Brazil, M’bala Fernandes, underlined the importance of cashew production to his nation’s economy. He welcomed the UAE’s involvement and said the initiative would strengthen Guinea-Bissau’s competitiveness in the global cashew market by enhancing local production and processing capacity.
Initially announced at the 2024 African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, this YTTP edition aims to train 1,000 young African professionals by the end of 2025, equipping them to become key drivers of agricultural innovation and economic growth in their home countries.