Nigeria, May 13 -- Unemployment is one of the biggest challenges facing Imo State, Nigeria, and indeed, much of Africa. Estimates suggest that more than 60 per cent of African youths are currently unemployed, and in places like Imo State, this crisis is particularly stark.

With a population of about five million, Imo State is roughly the size of countries like Ireland or Finland. In fact, it has more residents than Luxembourg and nearly eight times the population of Malta. But despite these impressive numbers, the local economy does not reflect its potential. Out of an estimated working population of three million, over one-and-a-half million people are unemployed. That means half of Imo's workforce is currently without a job - a situati...