World University Service of Canada

Published purpose

This project supports inclusive sustainable economic development and poverty reduction, with a focus on women and youth, as well as accountable governance in three mining regions: the Sahel Region in Burkina Faso, the Western Region in Ghana, and the Préfecture de Boké in Guinea. The project works with the private sector, local governments, chambers of mines and communities and aims to enable communities (especially women and youth) to maximise the socio-economic benefits from extractive industry operations. By identifying business opportunities for communities and strengthening local and national businesses, sustainable natural resource development is leveraged to the benefit of the broader economy, expanding the indirect and multiplier effects of resource extraction. Project activities include: (1) strengthening local skills training and employment services, focusing on helping women and youth acquire market-relevant skills; (2) conducting market assessments to identify ways to enhance procurement and supply linkages between the private sector and local businesses; and (3) supporting knowledge-sharing on natural resources management through existing regional organizations and platforms, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Mining Vision.