African Youth Must Unite Against New Challenges, Urges President

Addis Ababa, April 3, 2025 (ENA) — In order to effectively address the emerging challenges of our time, Africa needs to empower its young people with cutting-edge technological skills and innovative thinking. This can be achieved through high-quality education and comprehensive training programs, stated President Taye Atske Selassie earlier today.

The Pan African Youth Leadership Summit is underway in Addis Ababa under the theme "Unlocking the Power of Youth for a Prosperous Africa."

At the event, the president stated that today’s global environment presents a complex terrain requiring Africans to move through it with precise goals and tangible results in mind.

As he puts it, global geo-economic rivalry and rising political strains have propelled African youth into the vanguard of addressing these issues.

Africa is strategically focusing on preparing its burgeoning youth for leadership roles in new sectors such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, fintech, and the green economy, given the continent’s increasing population and vital natural resources, he pointed out.

President Taye emphasized the crucial role of substantial investment in entrepreneurship and innovation to promote job creation and develop Africa-driven solutions.

Women and Social Affairs Minister, Ergogie Tesfaye, stated that youth in Africa have been entangling with challenges of unemployment, poverty, climate change, political instability, and health issues.

These obstacles should spur Africa's capability to empower young people by offering them education, resources, and opportunities, she highlighted.

African Union Commission Special Envoy on Youth Chido Mpemba highlighted the importance of unity, cooperation, and youth empowerment over resources as key drivers for achieving sustainable development and fostering a thriving future for Africa.

She emphasized that collaboration rather than competition is key to building Africa. She further stated that there is a critical need for young individuals throughout the continent to unite their efforts instead of working in isolated groups or rival factions, promoting unity and cooperation instead.

"If we genuinely aspire to create the Africa of our dreams, then we have to be the generation that unites under one voice for Africa's future, which must be determined by Africans," Mpemba emphasized.

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