Latest news with #RandeepSarai
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FINCA Canada Partners with Government of Canada to Support Youth Employment in East Africa
DODOMA, Tanzania, July 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the Secretary of State for International Development, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, visited Dodoma, Tanzania, to announce a new five million dollar, five-year partnership between the Government of Canada and FINCA Canada. The initiative aims to expand economic opportunities for youth – those aged 30 and under – in East Africa through financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. The project, "Increasing Economic Opportunities for Youth in Uganda and Tanzania", is focused on strengthening the socio-economic inclusion of young people, especially marginalized and vulnerable young women. By refining skills, enhancing financial inclusion and improving employability, the project aims to support long-term economic growth and reduce poverty in the region. "Canada has proudly partnered with FINCA Canada for more than eight years. Now, we are working together to support marginalized youth in Uganda and Tanzania," said Hon. Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development of Canada. "Through technical and vocational education and training, and skills development, young people, especially young women, will be empowered with competencies that meet current market demands. They will be better equipped to secure jobs, advance their careers, and expand, or start new businesses. Inclusive opportunities will lead to a brighter future for all." Youth socio-economic inclusion is vital for East Africa's sustainable development and economic growth, especially as youth comprise over 70 per cent of the population in Uganda and Tanzania, with median ages of 16 and 19, respectively. Despite their numbers, youth unemployment remains high, 17 per cent in Uganda and 11 per cent in Tanzania, far above national averages, and young women face unemployment rates 50 per cent higher than their male counterparts. The project aims to support youth through vocational training, entrepreneurship and employment programs. To ensure its success and sustainability, FINCA Canada will partner with local organizations and businesses in Tanzania and Uganda. These partners will provide job skills training to help young people secure employment. Through the Business Partnership Program, FINCA Canada will offer business skills development, mentorship, and connect youth with successful businesses in their communities. The project will also provide financial education, financial services and capital to young entrepreneurs to help them start or grow their businesses. "Young entrepreneurs in Africa have the ideas, determination, and ability to achieve great things when given the opportunity," said Drew Boshell, Executive Director, FINCA Canada. "Through this project, FINCA Canada is committed to helping young people achieve their goals and break the cycle of poverty by allowing them to access the financial skills and services they need to secure a sustainable future." Over the next five years, FINCA Canada and the Government of Canada expect to support more than 40,000 youth in Tanzania and Uganda, particularly young women and girls with vocational training, financial literacy training, business placements, and mentorship opportunities. By enabling participants to access financial products and services, either to launch new businesses or expand existing ones, the project is expected to create approximately 20,000 new jobs. About FINCA Canada FINCA Canada is a member of the FINCA network, a global organization committed to creating pathways out of poverty through sustainable, scalable solutions rooted in the needs of the people it serves. Operating in some of the world's most challenging markets, FINCA provides financial and non-financial tools to help individuals and communities build resilience, generate income and invest in their children's education. FINCA's work is driven by the belief that all people should have the opportunity to leverage their wisdom, talent, and effort to determine their own destiny. FINCA aims to reach at least 40 million people by 2028 with proven solutions that spark lasting impact. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Emily EllisAccount DirectorKaiser & Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
FINCA Canada Partners with Government of Canada to Support Youth Employment in East Africa
DODOMA, Tanzania--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the Secretary of State for International Development, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, visited Dodoma, Tanzania, to announce a new five million dollar, five-year partnership between the Government of Canada and FINCA Canada. The initiative aims to expand economic opportunities for youth – those aged 30 and under – in East Africa through financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. The project, "Increasing Economic Opportunities for Youth in Uganda and Tanzania", is focused on strengthening the socio-economic inclusion of young people, especially marginalized and vulnerable young women. By refining skills, enhancing financial inclusion and improving employability, the project aims to support long-term economic growth and reduce poverty in the region. 'Canada has proudly partnered with FINCA Canada for more than eight years. Now, we are working together to support marginalized youth in Uganda and Tanzania,' said Hon. Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development of Canada. 'Through technical and vocational education and training, and skills development, young people, especially young women, will be empowered with competencies that meet current market demands. They will be better equipped to secure jobs, advance their careers, and expand, or start new businesses. Inclusive opportunities will lead to a brighter future for all.' Youth socio-economic inclusion is vital for East Africa's sustainable development and economic growth, especially as youth comprise over 70 per cent of the population in Uganda and Tanzania, with median ages of 16 and 19, respectively. Despite their numbers, youth unemployment remains high, 17 per cent in Uganda and 11 per cent in Tanzania, far above national averages, and young women face unemployment rates 50 per cent higher than their male counterparts. The project aims to support youth through vocational training, entrepreneurship and employment programs. To ensure its success and sustainability, FINCA Canada will partner with local organizations and businesses in Tanzania and Uganda. These partners will provide job skills training to help young people secure employment. Through the Business Partnership Program, FINCA Canada will offer business skills development, mentorship, and connect youth with successful businesses in their communities. The project will also provide financial education, financial services and capital to young entrepreneurs to help them start or grow their businesses. 'Young entrepreneurs in Africa have the ideas, determination, and ability to achieve great things when given the opportunity,' said Drew Boshell, Executive Director, FINCA Canada. ' Through this project, FINCA Canada is committed to helping young people achieve their goals and break the cycle of poverty by allowing them to access the financial skills and services they need to secure a sustainable future.' Over the next five years, FINCA Canada and the Government of Canada expect to support more than 40,000 youth in Tanzania and Uganda, particularly young women and girls with vocational training, financial literacy training, business placements, and mentorship opportunities. By enabling participants to access financial products and services, either to launch new businesses or expand existing ones, the project is expected to create approximately 20,000 new jobs. About FINCA Canada FINCA Canada is a member of the FINCA network, a global organization committed to creating pathways out of poverty through sustainable, scalable solutions rooted in the needs of the people it serves. Operating in some of the world's most challenging markets, FINCA provides financial and non-financial tools to help individuals and communities build resilience, generate income and invest in their children's education. FINCA's work is driven by the belief that all people should have the opportunity to leverage their wisdom, talent, and effort to determine their own destiny. FINCA aims to reach at least 40 million people by 2028 with proven solutions that spark lasting impact. For more information, visit
National Observer
21-07-2025
- Health
- National Observer
Health advocates urge Carney to respect pledge for UN Global Fund fighting AIDS, TB
AIDS activists are urging the federal government to quickly renew Canada's support for fighting infectious diseases abroad, warning delays will further hinder global efforts to combat key illnesses. "While some of the other nations around the world are retreating right now from investing in global health, Canada can and should be stepping forward swiftly, to save lives," said Justin McAuley, a director with the Canadian branch of the ONE Campaign. His group is among 24 Canadian civil society organizations that asked the government to allocate $1.37 billion over three years for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The fund is affiliated with the United Nations, and it supports developing countries in limiting and treating the three preventable illnesses, which in many regions are among the leading causes of death. Canada is one of the world's top supporters of the fund, which makes up the largest chunk of Ottawa's global health spending. Canada has contributed nearly $5 billion to the Global Fund since 2002, and the fund estimates it has saved 65 million lives in that time. Countries replenish the fund every three years, with their contributions usually rising over time as health-care systems build more capacity to treat and prevent these diseases. In each cycle, civil society groups issue what they call a fair-share metric to reflect how much each wealthy country can reasonably pledge to help the fund reach its goals. The office of Randeep Sarai, secretary of state for international development, referred questions about the $1.37 billion request to Global Affairs Canada. "Canada looks forward to working together as part of the Global Fund partnership to secure a successful eighth replenishment of the fund this year," the department wrote in a statement. "Discussions regarding Canada's pledge are ongoing." McAuley said he hopes Ottawa announces its pledge soon, to build momentum for other countries to follow suit. "Canada has a unique role and legacy to play in the global health space," he said. "Our momentum will mean something on the world stage — if we come out early, and don't wait for the last minute." Results Canada, another group asking Ottawa to meet the civil society target, noted the G7 summit that Canada hosted in Alberta "focused on trade, conflict and climate — but overlooked two of the most powerful tools for global stability: health and education." That has put the legacy of the Global Fund "under threat," the group argued in an email campaign. "As countries cut international assistance, decades of hard-won gains hang in the balance." UNAIDS reported on July 10 that HIV infections and deaths continue to drop, but sudden cuts by the United States and others "threaten to reverse years of progress in the response to HIV." US Republicans recently reversed plans to cut PEPFAR, the world's largest HIV program, but Washington is still on track to slash its contribution to the Global Fund. Countries normally make pledges at an organized conference, such as the last cycle when prime minister Justin Trudeau visited the United Nations in New York in 2022. This year, there is no pledging conference, though McAuley expects leaders of large economies to make pledges before visiting South Africa for the G20 summit in November. He said global health is already under pressure from armed conflicts, climate-related events and the ongoing recovery of health systems from cutbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rich countries are cutting back on foreign aid as they increase military spending. Prime Minister Mark Carney promised in last spring's election to not cut foreign aid spending or development financing, though this was before he launched a review of government spending and committed to large amounts of military-related spending. McAuley said Carney ought to meet the metric outlined by civil society, or he'll be offside with his two last predecessors. "Both Harper and Trudeau repeatedly stepped up and did Canada's fair share," he said. "Is Carney going to break that pattern now and step back?"
Global News
21-07-2025
- Health
- Global News
Canada must renew support to fight AIDS, TB abroad, advocates urge
AIDS activists are urging the federal government to quickly renew Canada's support for fighting infectious diseases abroad, warning delays will further hinder global efforts to combat key illnesses. 'While some of the other nations around the world are retreating right now from investing in global health, Canada can and should be stepping forward swiftly, to save lives,' said Justin McAuley, a director with the Canadian branch of the ONE Campaign. His group is among 24 Canadian civil society organizations that asked the government to allocate $1.37 billion over three years for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The fund is affiliated with the United Nations, and it supports developing countries in limiting and treating the three preventable illnesses, which in many regions are among the leading causes of death. Story continues below advertisement Canada is one of the world's top supporters of the fund, which makes up the largest chunk of Ottawa's global health spending. Canada has contributed nearly $5 billion to the Global Fund since 2002, and the fund estimates it has saved 65 million lives in that time. Countries replenish the fund every three years, with their contributions usually rising over time as health-care systems build more capacity to treat and prevent these diseases. In each cycle, civil society groups issue what they call a fair-share metric to reflect how much each wealthy country can reasonably pledge to help the fund reach its goals. 2:38 Risk of 2,000 new HIV infections daily after US aid freeze, UN AIDS agency estimates The office of Randeep Sarai, secretary of state for international development, referred questions about the $1.37 billion request to Global Affairs Canada. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Canada looks forward to working together as part of the Global Fund partnership to secure a successful eighth replenishment of the fund this year,' the department wrote in a statement. 'Discussions regarding Canada's pledge are ongoing.' Story continues below advertisement McAuley said he hopes Ottawa announces its pledge soon, to build momentum for other countries to follow suit. 'Canada has a unique role and legacy to play in the global health space,' he said. 'Our momentum will mean something on the world stage — if we come out early, and don't wait for the last minute.' Results Canada, another group asking Ottawa to meet the civil society target, noted the G7 summit that Canada hosted in Alberta 'focused on trade, conflict and climate — but overlooked two of the most powerful tools for global stability: health and education.' That has put the legacy of the Global Fund 'under threat,' the group argued in an email campaign. 'As countries cut international assistance, decades of hard-won gains hang in the balance.' UNAIDS reported on July 10 that HIV infections and deaths continue to drop, but sudden cuts by the United States and others 'threaten to reverse years of progress in the response to HIV.' U.S. Republicans recently reversed plans to cut PEPFAR, the world's largest HIV program, but Washington is still on track to slash its contribution to the Global Fund. 2:11 USAID cuts: South Africa-led HIV vaccine development comes to a halt Countries normally make pledges at an organized conference, such as the last cycle when prime minister Justin Trudeau visited the United Nations in New York in 2022. Story continues below advertisement This year, there is no pledging conference, though McAuley expects leaders of large economies to make pledges before visiting South Africa for the G20 summit in November. He said global health is already under pressure from armed conflicts, climate-related events and the ongoing recovery of health systems from cutbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rich countries are cutting back on foreign aid as they increase military spending. Prime Minister Mark Carney promised in last spring's election to not cut foreign aid spending or development financing, though this was before he launched a review of government spending and committed to large amounts of military-related spending. McAuley said Carney ought to meet the metric outlined by civil society, or he'll be offside with his two last predecessors. 'Both Harper and Trudeau repeatedly stepped up and did Canada's fair share,' he said. 'Is Carney going to break that pattern now and step back?'
Winnipeg Free Press
21-07-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Health advocates urge Carney not to delay pledge for UN Global Fund fighting AIDS, TB
OTTAWA – AIDS activists are urging the federal government to quickly renew Canada's support for fighting infectious diseases abroad, warning delays will further hinder global efforts to combat key illnesses. 'While some of the other nations around the world are retreating right now from investing in global health, Canada can and should be stepping forward swiftly, to save lives,' said Justin McAuley, a director with the Canadian branch of the ONE Campaign. His group is among 24 Canadian civil society organizations that asked the government to allocate $1.37 billion over three years for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The fund is affiliated with the United Nations, and it supports developing countries in limiting and treating the three preventable illnesses, which in many regions are among the leading causes of death. Canada is one of the world's top supporters of the fund, which makes up the largest chunk of Ottawa's global health spending. Canada has contributed nearly $5 billion to the Global Fund since 2002, and the fund estimates it has saved 65 million lives in that time. Countries replenish the fund every three years, with their contributions usually rising over time as health-care systems build more capacity to treat and prevent these diseases. In each cycle, civil society groups issue what they call a fair-share metric to reflect how much each wealthy country can reasonably pledge to help the fund reach its goals. The office of Randeep Sarai, secretary of state for international development, referred questions about the $1.37 billion request to Global Affairs Canada. 'Canada looks forward to working together as part of the Global Fund partnership to secure a successful eighth replenishment of the fund this year,' the department wrote in a statement. 'Discussions regarding Canada's pledge are ongoing.' McAuley said he hopes Ottawa announces its pledge soon, to build momentum for other countries to follow suit. 'Canada has a unique role and legacy to play in the global health space,' he said. 'Our momentum will mean something on the world stage — if we come out early, and don't wait for the last minute.' Results Canada, another group asking Ottawa to meet the civil society target, noted the G7 summit that Canada hosted in Alberta 'focused on trade, conflict and climate — but overlooked two of the most powerful tools for global stability: health and education.' That has put the legacy of the Global Fund 'under threat,' the group argued in an email campaign. 'As countries cut international assistance, decades of hard-won gains hang in the balance.' UNAIDS reported on July 10 that HIV infections and deaths continue to drop, but sudden cuts by the United States and others 'threaten to reverse years of progress in the response to HIV.' U.S. Republicans recently reversed plans to cut PEPFAR, the world's largest HIV program, but Washington is still on track to slash its contribution to the Global Fund. Countries normally make pledges at an organized conference, such as the last cycle when prime minister Justin Trudeau visited the United Nations in New York in 2022. This year, there is no pledging conference, though McAuley expects leaders of large economies to make pledges before visiting South Africa for the G20 summit in November. Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. He said global health is already under pressure from armed conflicts, climate-related events and the ongoing recovery of health systems from cutbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rich countries are cutting back on foreign aid as they increase military spending. Prime Minister Mark Carney promised in last spring's election to not cut foreign aid spending or development financing, though this was before he launched a review of government spending and committed to large amounts of military-related spending. McAuley said Carney ought to meet the metric outlined by civil society, or he'll be offside with his two last predecessors. 'Both Harper and Trudeau repeatedly stepped up and did Canada's fair share,' he said. 'Is Carney going to break that pattern now and step back?' This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2025.
