Role of Africa’s youth in development

In just a matter of days, Rwanda is set to launch its flagship summit, Youth Connect Africa, aimed at unleashing the potential of the continent's youth. The event's mandate includes ambitious targets such as creating 10 million jobs by 2020 in sustainable environments within emerging industries. This significant initiative reflects a movement that has organically grown since its inception in 2012, evolving into a platform that connects youth with role models, opportunities for economic and social development, and fosters a sense of community among young Africans. Honorable Jean Philbert Nsengimana, the Minister for Youth and ICT in Rwanda, sheds light on the evolution and impact of Youth Connect Africa. Nsengimana emphasizes the importance of utilizing technology to bridge the gap between youth and policy implementation. By leveraging technology, young people can actively participate in shaping their future and contribute to national dialogues. The Youth Connect Africa Summit represents a pan-African youth convention that aims to replicate Rwanda's success in empowering and engaging youth across the continent. The Minister highlights the inclusion of diverse voices in the summit's panels, ensuring that youth perspectives are at the forefront of discussions. One of the key shifts observed in youth development is the growing entrepreneurial mindset among young Africans. Nsengimana notes the trend of young people understanding the need to take initiative and not solely rely on governmental or parental support. He introduces the Youth Empowerment Fund, a contest hosted during the summit to support youth-led business solutions aimed at tackling poverty. The initiative has garnered significant interest, with thousands of young Africans participating and showcasing their innovative ideas. In line with the goal of creating sustainable job opportunities, the Minister discusses the importance of youth-friendly capital and investments. He emphasizes the need for financial products that cater to the unique needs of young entrepreneurs, including IT and tech ventures. Nsengimana calls upon impact investors and philanthropists to support the growth of youth-led businesses across Africa, showcasing the continent as a viable destination for impactful investments. When addressing challenges such as unemployment, Nsengimana stresses the importance of leveraging youth innovation in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and technology. He highlights the role of modernizing traditional industries and harnessing the potential of young people to drive economic growth and sustainable development. The Minister outlines a framework of 'four Ps' - youth-friendly policies, programs, partnerships, and profits - as key elements in combating poverty through innovative business solutions. As the conversation shifts to global solutions, Nsengimana touches on cybersecurity and digital literacy. He underscores the need for basic cyber hygiene practices and digital awareness among citizens to mitigate cyber threats. The Minister highlights initiatives such as the Digital Ambassadors program, aimed at training millions of citizens in digital skills by 2020, to enhance cybersecurity measures and promote a safer digital environment. In closing, Nsengimana reflects on the upcoming participation of Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, at the Youth Connect Africa Summit. He praises Ma's inspirational journey and advocacy for government support to SMEs, emphasizing the role of education and creating a conducive business environment for young entrepreneurs. The Minister envisions a future where governments empower youth to become job creators and champions of innovation, signaling a collaborative effort to drive economic prosperity and social impact across Africa.