African youth are advised to develop their capabilities in trade, entrepreneurship and other economic areas to foster the continent’s socio-economic development.
Speakers at a youth forum held on the sidelines of the ongoing All African Games said acquiring these skills will also help them seize opportunities when migrating through formal channels.
Speakers also urged young people to take advantage of trade opportunities such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union (AU) Free Movement Protocol to promote their businesses.
Ms. Regina Hammond, AfCFTA International Trade Center Liaison Officer. Dr. Nancy Addossi, AU Free Persons Migration Officer, AU Commission; AfCFTA regional expert Dr Ify Ogoh and entrepreneur Ferdinand Adimefe were speakers at the event.
A forum hosted by the AU and hosted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM Ghana) on Sunday highlighted how increased mobility contributes to individual empowerment, socio-economic growth and development across the continent. It was debated whether to do so.
Mr Hammond said that while the AFCFTA had boosted trade on the continent, issues including tariffs and non-tariff measures had both positive and negative impacts on the movement of people.
Dr. Adossi said the growth of Africa’s youth is estimated to reach 1 billion by 2026 and that the AU’s Agenda 2026, the continent’s 50-year strategic framework for socio-economic transformation, will support youth mobility. He said that this is the key to promoting the exchange of skills. continental ideas.
Dr. Ogounder emphasized the importance of mobility systems such as the Visa Mobility System, which enables the movement of individuals with different skills across the African continent.
Adimefe was concerned about Africa’s lack of educational institutions that provide young people with the innovative skills they need to succeed as entrepreneurs and an African way of thinking about trade on the continent.
He therefore encouraged young people to change their thinking and come together to strengthen trade interconnectedness to foster rapid socio-economic development.
In her opening remarks, Prudence Ngwenya, Director-General of the AU Directorate-General for Women, Gender and Youth, encouraged youth to take advantage of the AU’s flagship programs and initiatives.
“You are the manager of your own development. You need to be on the front lines and help us better understand and support you,” she added.
Ms Mariama Cissé, Director of the IOM, AU Commission Special Liaison Office, said mobility is important as it creates pathways for growth and development, as well as the continent’s interconnectedness and integration.
He said Africa has a collective responsibility to harness the potential of its youth, who make up about 60 per cent of the continent’s population.
Cissé said sport plays a role in promoting unity and sharing identity and purpose, but it is being used as an exploitation tool for human trafficking and there is a need to “neutralize this insecure ecosystem”. He pointed out that there is.