Briques

Building the Future: Innovation and Youth Employment in Niger's Traditional Construction Sector

Description

In Niger’s construction sector, many young people still lack access to adequate technical and managerial training. This limits their professional opportunities and creates a gap between existing skills and the needs of the labour market. The Briques project was created to help close this gap. It promotes the economic, social and environmental opportunities offered by bioclimatic construction—a growing sector with great potential for development.

The project aims to boost youth employment and support the creation and growth of qualified enterprises in sustainable construction. By doing so, it contributes to a more inclusive economy, decent work opportunities and the development of resilient businesses.

Briques also promotes quality, equitable and inclusive education, offering real learning opportunities for all. This commitment supports gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
In the Agadez region, the project provides young women and men with vocational and entrepreneurial training. It also supports the development of sustainable businesses and strengthens local institutions active in the construction sector.

SDGs

OBJECTIVES

The project focuses on promoting youth employment, supporting the creation and growth of qualified enterprises in sustainable construction, and expanding access to inclusive vocational training.

Activities

The project strengthens the technical skills of key construction professionals— construction managers, masons, workers, tilers and accountants—through training courses, apprenticeships and practical internships.
A key moment in the training process is the direct involvement of young participants in the construction of a multifunctional centre, which becomes both a learning space and a tangible result of the project.

To support the match between labour supply and demand in the construction sector—particularly in bioclimatic building and terracotta processing—the project organises dedicated meetings between private companies and young professionals. These encounters help create concrete employment and collaboration opportunities.

Output and results

The project aims to deliver concrete outcomes that strengthen Niger’s sustainable construction sector in the long term.
Key expected results include: the development of technical guidelines for the sector, the construction of a multifunctional centre and the practical and managerial training of participating youth.

Another important result is the creation of stable links between young professionals and local companies, improving access to internships and job opportunities. Regional promotional events will further enhance the visibility of acquired skills and support the increase in youth employment within the sustainable construction sector.