ADDIS ABABA – Heavy investments in entrepreneurship and innovation are essential for fostering job creation and driving Africa’s self-sufficiency, President Taye Atsekeselassie said.
Delivering his speech at the Pan-African Youth Leadership Summit 2025, President Taye highlighted the need for Africa to harness technology, innovation, quality education, and skill development as catalysts for progress.
Recognizing that governments have a responsibility to champion policies that promote education and entrepreneurship, he urged the African Union (AU) and other stakeholders to intensify their efforts in empowering African youth as key drivers of development. He also called on the private sector to fulfill its corporate social responsibility by supporting young entrepreneurs.
The President stressed the importance of transforming youth ideas into tangible actions to unlock their full potential. However, he acknowledged that young people still face critical challenges, including unemployment, limited access to education and healthcare, as well as a growing digital divide. Additionally, climate change, environmental degradation, political instability, and conflicts continue to hinder youth advancement.
Despite these challenges, Africa’s young and rapidly growing population, abundant raw materials, and expanding entrepreneurial landscape present vast opportunities. He noted that young African entrepreneurs are making significant contributions across various sectors.
“The digital startups showcased here demonstrate that Africa is strategically positioning its youth in emerging fields, including biotechnology, financial technology, and the green economy,” he remarked.
He further emphasized that youth-led innovation will play a critical role in the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The African Union Commission (AUC) Special Envoy on Youth Chido Mpemba underscored the importance of Pan-Africanism in overcoming divisions.
She stressed that it is not just a philosophy but a survival strategy for Africa.
“Young people must foster regional solidarity, trade among African nations, and build businesses that transcend borders,” she urged.
More importantly, she called on African youth to assert their rightful place on the global stage while shaping the continent’s future. She encouraged them to push for structural reforms, including advocating for permanent representation at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). She also emphasized the need for equal treatment in multilateral financial institutions and the restitution of stolen cultural artifacts.
Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA) Minister Ergogie Tesfaye (PhD) urged participants to reaffirm their commitment to unity, solidarity, and progress, the values that unite Africans.
She highlighted that the vision of “The Africa We Want,” outlined in Agenda 2063, calls on youth to shape their own futures and be the driving force behind Africa’s development. However, she acknowledged that many young people continue to face unemployment, poverty, climate change, political instability, and mental health challenges that threaten their potential.
“These obstacles should not deter us but rather inspire us to empower and uplift youth by providing them with education, resources, and opportunities they rightly deserve,” she affirmed.
The three-day summit aims to ignite discussions on unlocking the power of youth to drive sustainable development, peace, and prosperity. It will also explore key topics such as: Youth, peace, and security, economic empowerment, climate action and quality education.
Ergogie concluded by stressing that investing in young people is not just an option but a necessity for Africa’s bright and prosperous future.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 4 APRIL 2025
