As Africa moves towards achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063—“The Africa We Want”—one critical factor stands out: investing in youth. With 70% of Africa’s population under the age of 30, the continent’s future depends on how well it harnesses the energy, creativity, and potential of its young people. It is in this context that the Pan-African Youth Leaders Continental Forum, scheduled from April 3 to 5 at the Adwa Memorial Museum, presents a significant opportunity to empower the next generation of African leaders.
The Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA) has underscored the forum’s role in enhancing youth diplomatic and decision-making skills, a much-needed initiative to prepare Africa’s youth for leadership roles in politics, business, and development. Dr. Ergogie Tesfaye, Minister of MoWSA, highlighted that this forum is not only about training but also about raising awareness on youth rights and responsibilities under the African Youth Charter. This is crucial, as informed and engaged youth are fundamental to Africa’s political stability, economic transformation, and social progress.
With more than a billion young people between the ages of 15 and 24, Africa stands at a crossroads. This demographic structure presents two possible futures: one where youths become a driving force for innovation, governance, and development, or one where unemployment, social unrest, and migration challenges threaten the continent’s progress. To secure the former, African governments, private sectors, and civil societies must work together to invest in youth-centered policies that provide access to quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and leadership training.
The Pan-African Youth Leaders Continental Forum serves as a model for such investment. By bringing together over 1,000 youth leaders, influencers, and policymakers from 53 African countries, it fosters cross-border collaboration and knowledge-sharing. These interactions will be instrumental in developing a new generation of Pan-African thinkers, capable of addressing the continent’s pressing challenges and spearheading Africa’s transformation.
One of the biggest hurdles facing Africa’s youth is the lack of representation in decision-making spaces. Despite constituting the majority of the population, young people are often sidelined in political and economic discussions. This exclusion leads to policies that do not reflect their needs or aspirations.
Forums such as this one help bridge the gap by equipping youth with diplomatic and negotiation skills, ensuring they can effectively participate in governance. Additionally, it creates a network of young leaders who can advocate for policies that prioritize education, entrepreneurship, climate action, and technological advancements—key areas necessary for Africa’s long-term success.
The choice of the Adwa Memorial Museum as the venue for this forum is highly symbolic. The Victory of Adwa remains a defining moment in African history, symbolizing resistance, unity, and the power of collective action. Just as Ethiopia played a leading role in the Pan-African movement and the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), today’s youth must carry forward this legacy by working together to shape Africa’s destiny.
By investing in youth leadership, Africa is not only securing a more peaceful and democratic future but also ensuring economic prosperity. The continent’s vast resources, coupled with a tech-savvy, entrepreneurial youth population, make it well-positioned to compete on the global stage.
The Pan-African Youth Leaders Continental Forum is a positive step, but its impact depends on concrete actions. Governments must actively include youth in policymaking and governance while ensuring education systems equip them with modern skills. Additionally, greater investment in youth entrepreneurship, job creation, and leadership platforms is essential to foster Africa’s future leaders.
In short, the Africa We Want is one where youth are not just beneficiaries of development but active drivers of change. Investing in youth today is not merely an option—it is the key to unlocking Africa’s full potential and securing a prosperous, united, and self-reliant continent for generations to come.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 29 MARCH 2025
