Save The Children: Why youth empowerment is integral to Africa’s development

The Africa Human Capital Heads of State Summit has brought together leaders from across the continent to prioritize investing in people as a core driver of productivity, resilience, and growth. Angela Kauleni, Country Director for Tanzania at Save The Children, joined CNBC Africa's Godfrey Mutizwa to discuss the importance of youth empowerment in Africa's development. Kauleni emphasized the crucial role of youth participation and engagement in these discussions. With Africa being a very youthful continent, with 77% of the population below the age of 35, it is essential to include young people in decision-making processes. Their voices, concerns, and experiences need to be heard to address the core needs of the continent effectively. While efforts such as the AU youth commissioner exist, Kauleni stressed the need for more action in human capital development to empower young people. Save The Children aims to see leaders doing more to support youth in reaching their full potential. Kauleni highlighted the urgent issues facing young people in Tanzania, such as early marriage and malnutrition. The summit in Dar es Salaam gathered leaders to discuss youth empowerment and human development capacity in Africa. It is crucial to build the competences of the youth, create opportunities for entrepreneurship, and provide knowledge and support to nurture future leaders. Kauleni urged leaders to address the challenges hindering girls' empowerment, such as early marriage and malnutrition. By empowering underprivileged communities and focusing on nutrition agendas, Africa can unlock the full potential of its youth. The summit shed light on the stories of young people facing daunting challenges, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues to create a better future for African youth.