About Us
Empowering Future IT Professionals
The Challenge We Are Addressing
Across Africa, millions of young people are ready to work, innovate, and contribute to their communities. Yet many remain locked out of opportunity.
Africa is the youngest continent in the world, with more than 60% of the population under the age of 25. By 2030, it will have the largest working-age population globally. This demographic shift presents an extraordinary opportunity for economic growth.
But without access to relevant education, practical skills, and employment pathways, this opportunity risks becoming a missed potential.
Our Youth Empowerment and Economic Acceleration Platform (YEEAP) was created to address this challenge by transforming how young people learn, build skills, and access meaningful work.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower young people with the skills, tools, and opportunities needed to access dignified work and build sustainable livelihoods.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every young African has access to quality education, relevant skills, and meaningful economic opportunities.
Why This Work Matters
Behind the statistics are real stories.
A young man who left school early to support his family but never had the chance to gain practical skills.
A university graduate who studied for years yet struggles to find employment due to limited work experience or digital skills.
A young woman in a rural community who is ambitious and capable but has never had access to technical training or career guidance.
These young people represent Africa’s greatest untapped resource.
When equipped with the right education, training, and support, they can become entrepreneurs, professionals, and innovators who drive economic growth and strengthen their communities.
The Opportunity in Ethiopia
Ethiopia illustrates both the scale of the challenge and the potential for transformation.
- The country has over 128 million people, with more than 60% under the age of 35.
- Youth unemployment remains a major barrier to economic inclusion.
- Many education systems lack modern digital infrastructure.
- Technical and vocational training opportunities are limited compared to demand.
At the same time, Ethiopia’s growing economy and expanding sectors—from technology and agribusiness to renewable energy and financial services—are creating new opportunities for skilled young workers.
The challenge is connecting young people to those opportunities.
Who We Serve
Supporting youth across different stages of their journey.
Youth Who Left School Early
Many young people leave the formal education system due to poverty, family responsibilities, or displacement. YEEAP provides accessible short-cycle training programs that help them re-enter learning.
Secondary School Graduates
Every year, millions complete secondary education but do not move into higher education or formal employment. Our programs provide vocational training and industry-relevant skills.
Educated but Unemployed Graduates
Many university and TVET graduates struggle to find work due to gaps between academic education and market needs. YEEAP helps them gain practical skills and industry connections.
The Organizations Behind YEEAP
A powerful ecosystem connecting education, skills, and employment.
Placid Solutions and Consulting
Consortium lead responsible for program coordination, financial management, and strategic partnerships.
Florida University Southeast (FUSE)
Academic and research partner providing accredited programs, professional certificates, and faculty development.
InnoLearn Systems
Technology provider delivering the EduSuite360 digital education platform used to modernize learning institutions.
CrossWave Partners
Private-sector engagement partner connecting trained youth with employers, markets, and investment opportunities.
Our Implementation Partners:
YEEAP works with experienced organizations to deliver youth empowerment programs effectively and at scale. By combining expertise, local knowledge, and proven approaches, we strengthen training quality and create clear pathways from education to meaningful employment for young people.
