A gathering of African youth leaders took place in Abuja on Friday, emphasizing the need for greater investments in young people to address the continent’s high unemployment rates, political instability, and economic fragility.
During the All Africa Conference of Churches Youth Pre-Assembly, Afika Rwayi, the chairperson, highlighted Africa’s youth jobless rate of 19.8% in 2021, which surpasses the global average. Rwayi stressed the urgency for policies and initiatives that generate employment opportunities, particularly given Africa’s burgeoning young population. Limited access to quality education was identified as a barrier to the skills development necessary for the competitive job markets in Africa.
Rwayi pointed out that high rates of unemployment pose a significant challenge for African youth, as they struggle to secure stable and meaningful employment due to insufficient educational resources and outdated school curricula. This perpetuates unemployment and widens socio-economic divides.
To address these issues, Rwayi advocated for responsive education systems, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programs. She emphasized the importance of investing in education that aligns with the evolving demands of the job market and equips young Africans with the tools and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.
Rwayi also addressed the digital divide, noting that a significant portion of African youth lacks access to technology and the internet. This divide hinders their full participation in the global digital economy and limits opportunities for economic advancement and connectivity.
Archbishop Michael Akinwale, representing the Methodist Church, called on youth leaders to collaborate in developing solutions, emphasizing that African governments rely on their innovation and vision.
The 5-day conference, attended by over 600 young delegates from 40 African countries, aimed to facilitate discussions on strengthening youth capacity for sustainable growth on the continent.