A Brighter Future (ABF) is a not-for-profit International Youth Design and Manufacturing Enterprise, delivered in partnership with Barnardo's (who work with over 100,000 young people per annum and whose patron is HRH Queen Elizabeth II and president is Cherie Blair) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), working with schools in Europe, disadvantaged communities in Africa and multinational corporations.

The Enterprise delivers opportunities for young people to develop their creative and enterprise skills, through establishing and running supported micro enterprises. Based in UK, with a committed team of employees and a pool of international consultants involved in design, development and implementation.

trade

Our programme supports the capacity to produce and trade in quality products meeting the international standards, by working with consumers in Europe and supplies in Africa. ABF plans to support and facilitate trade partnership between SMMEs/Coops in Africa and renown retail outlets in Europe. ABF supports ‘fair trade’, ethical trade and intends to use the programme in promoting both Regional and International trade.

climate for business

Through our promotion and support of SMMEs and Coops in Africa, ABF will play a key role in influencing the support and development of youth businesses through business enabling (environment) regulations, policies, e.g. Access to business management advice, credit access and microfinance.

enterprise and employment

ABF has it agenda tied firmly to the Millennium Development Goals and plans to support existing and the creation of new SMME’s in Africa in order to create more employment opportunities and contribute to the eradication of poverty. ABF plans to support over 500 businesses employing more that 5000 young people in Africa, specifically targeting the SADC and ECOWAS regions. An initial 2 year pilot programme targeting South Africa, Gabon, and Mozambique is in the planning phase.

human development

Capacity building and human development forms a key component of ABF. With technical support from UNDP, the programme will provide new skills training and upgrading to unemployed people in Africa. This programme will also provide capacity building support to organisations working with young people in Africa. Our skills exchange programme will provide a platform for knowledge transfer and facilitate North-South link for technology, skill and trade development.