AU Deputy Chair Urges Unleashing Youth Power to Forge a Thriving Africa

Addis Ababa, April 3, 2025 (ENA) --- The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, highlighted the urgent need to unlock Africa’s youth potential for a prosperous future.

The Pan-African Youth Leadership Summit commenced today in Addis Ababa at the Adwa Victory Memorial, with the theme "Unleashing the Potential of Youth for an Affluent Africa."

At the event, she highlighted the crucial part that youth must take in guiding Africa’s progress and fostering peace.

Ambassador Haddadi commended Ethiopia for organizing the summit, as this initiative supports both the African Youth Charter and the Youth Decade Plan of Action.

She remarked, "This assembly goes beyond being merely a summit; it serves as a summons to take action, an arena for innovative concepts, and a critical juncture to envision the future of Africa—always keeping the youth at its core."

By 2030, Africa’s youth population will surpass 1.5 billion, a strategic asset that needs to be nurtured, she said. Addressing this demographic shift, she questioned, “Are we doing enough to harness the full potential of Africa’s young people?”

She highlighted the African Union's all-encompassing strategy, encompassing initiatives such as Agenda 2063 and the 1 Million Next Level Initiative, designed to bolster youth empowerment via education, job creation, business development, community involvement, and wellness programs.

Launched in 2022, the 1 Million Next Level Initiative seeks to engage with 300 million young Africans by the year 2030.

Ambassador Haddadi likewise addressed the imminent 20th anniversary of the African Youth Charter in 2026 and the continuous rejuvenation efforts via the AYC@20 initiative, emphasizing the importance of young people’s involvement in defining its next phase.

At the end of her speech, she emphasized that Africa's future hinges on fairness, equality, opportunities, and inclusiveness, making sure not one youth is overlooked.

She reminded the attendees that you are not the leaders of tomorrow but the leaders of today,” pushing for tangible steps to create a thriving future for Africa.

The conference will proceed with talks focused on fostering peace, boosting economic empowerment, enhancing climate resilience, improving education, and developing leadership skills.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).