- The event was both inspiring and action-oriented, providing a platform where African youth gathered to discuss and exchange ideas on how best to shape the continent’s future.
- Educating a 21st-century African youth goes beyond conventional classroom learning. It involves equipping young people with the skills, mindsets and values that empower them to address both present and future challenges.
- Teaching them skills like financial literacy, risk management, innovation and market research is essential in equipping them to create job opportunities rather than merely seeking for blue collar employment.
Every November 1, Africa celebrates Africa Youth Day – a day set aside to honour the continent’s young people who are its heartbeat and future.
With one of the largest youth population in the world, Africa stands on the point of transformation, as its young men and women drive progress, innovation and unity across borders.
This year, African Diplomatic Organisation (ADO), Nigeria Chapter, in partnership with MyLEAPS Initiative, invited African youths and leaders to join in celebrating this day under the theme: “Educate an African Youth Fit for the 21st Century.”
The event was both inspiring and action-oriented, providing a platform where African youth gathered to discuss and exchange ideas on how best to shape the continent’s future.
The event’s discussions revolved around practical approaches to equip young Africans with skills, education and resources needed to thrive in the 21st century, especially in a rapidly growing digital world.
Africa Youth Day is more than just a day on the calendar or a tip on our fingers, it is a moment for reflection, inspiration and commitment.
Africa’s youth population, estimated at over 60 per cent of the total population, across the globe, holds the potential to reshape the continent.
However, challenges like access to quality education, poverty, unemployment, and political barriers stand in the way of young people reaching their full potential. The day is a reminder that collective efforts can overcome these challenges and lay the foundation for sustainable development across the continent.
ADO Nigeria and MyLEAPS Initiative recognise the importance of equipping young Africans with tools for success, starting with education and mentorship. Education is central to development, and when geared toward modern relevant skillsets, it becomes a transformative force for good.
And this year’s theme stressed the need to prepare African youth to not only participate in the 21st century but to lead the way for a future generation shaped by technology, globalisation and rapid social change.
Educating a 21st-century African youth goes beyond conventional classroom learning. It involves equipping young people with the skills, mindsets and values that empower them to address both present and future challenges.
Some key areas of focus during the event included:
- Digital Literacy
As the world becomes increasingly digital, the African youth must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate digital platforms.
Beyond basic digital literacy, there’s a significant technological advancement with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) which the youth need to be fully exposed.
Through this digital literacy, there is great potential of tech careers, digital entrepreneurship and innovations that can lead to properly addressing local challenges facing the continent.
- Entrepreneurial Skills
These skills are essential in positioning the youth in order to identify opportunities, make effective decisions, turn their ideas into reality, overcome challenges and properly allocate resources to achieve set goals and succeed in life.
Teaching them skills like financial literacy, risk management, innovation and market research is essential in equipping them to create job opportunities rather than merely seeking for blue collar employment.
- Civic Education
Engaging youth in governance and social development is good for sustainable change. Civic education encourages young Africans to participate in decision-making processes, advocate for their rights and contribute actively to their communities as well for better development.
- Climate Literacy
As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, educating youth about environmental issues is vital. They must be equipped to develop and advocate for sustainable solutions that mitigate climate impacts and protect Africa’s diverse and developing ecosystems.
- Values Based on Education
Besides academic and technical skills, fostering values like integrity, resilience and empathy is essential.
Values based education nurtures character development, enabling youth to become ethical leaders and change makers of the world.
The event featured thought provoking panel discussions where speakers shared insights on education, youth empowerment, business, social entrepreneurship and civic leadership.
Among the speakers was Mr. Joshua Alade who is the Founder of Nigeria SDG’S Network and a youth leader and passionate advocate who argued that education is one of the key sustainable development goals.
He highlighted ways, benefits and challenges about the youth on the continent including youth empowerment, critical thinking and creativity.
“There’s so much emphasis on SDG 4 of quality education where the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations member States in 2015, provides peace and working together which can be a good involvement of youth empowerment,” he said.
Another speaker, Amb. Abel Mawere, a youth ambassador from Zimbabwe who is passionate about youth and advocacy, touched on inspirational insights and ways on how education is important to the future generation saying “education is the key to a better future”.
On her part, Olufumi Olaosun, Country President, African Diplomatic Organisation, Nigeria Chapter and Founder of MyLEAPS Initiative, passionate about fostering creativity among the youth, noted that Africa’s youth population need to get to the decision-making table and actively participate in shaping the continents future.
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Elsewhere, Commissioner of the AU Commission’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) Amb Bankole Adeoye noted that they are optimistic that optimal harnessing of youth leadership will help to build and sustain peace, constructive dialogue, active response to early warning, impactful mediation, promoting reconciliation and social cohesion, and advocating and defending human rights especially the right to development, justice and equity.
“The future of peace lies in empowering our youth to be in the vanguard of transformation, based on political inclusion in decision-making processes. The PAPS Department will continue to amplify African youth voices as their contributions are vital to sustainable peace in the spirit of the AU Agenda 2063 – the Africa We Want,” Adeoye.
“As we celebrate Africa Youth Day, let us commit today to creating inclusive spaces where youth can engage in meaningful dialogue, access quality education, and develop the skills necessary to become peacemakers and peace builders. Together, we can build a future where young people feel safe, valued, and empowered to contribute to their communities,” added Adeoye.
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