New York, 21 September 2024 (ECA) - The Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete, has emphasized the need for Africa’s youth to play a central role in shaping the continent’s future. During a meeting on "Transforming Africa with Youth-Driven Solutions" in New York on September 20, he called for concerted efforts to unlock the potential of Africa’s youth for sustainable growth.
“Africa’s youth are not just the future; they are the present driving force of our continent, and they must have a decisive role in shaping our pact for the future,” said Mr. Gatete during the session held ahead of the Summit of the Future under the theme "Transforming Africa with Youth-Driven Solutions."
With Africa expected to account for 42% of the global youth population by 2030, the ECA Executive Secretary highlighted that the continent’s success, and that of the world, is deeply intertwined with the contributions of its young people.
Despite this demographic advantage, Mr. Gatete acknowledged the significant challenges facing Africa’s youth, particularly in accessing employment opportunities. He pointed to high unemployment rates, an education system misaligned with labor market needs, and insufficient investment in skills development.
“The reality is stark: without urgent investments in education, skills development, and especially digital capabilities, Africa’s young population may struggle to reach its full potential,” he warned.
Central to Mr. Gatete’s message was the transformative power of digitalization. He outlined the potential of Africa’s digital economy, projected to reach $75 billion by 2025, and noted that artificial intelligence is expected to contribute $1.2 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030. However, he cautioned that unlocking these opportunities requires significant investment.
“We must seize the opportunities presented by the Global Digital Compact,” he stressed, emphasizing the urgent need to bridge Africa’s digital divide. Currently, only 37% of the continent’s population has access to the internet, with the gap disproportionately affecting women.
Mr. Gatete also spotlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a major driver of economic growth and youth empowerment. He emphasized the importance of leveraging Africa’s comparative advantages across sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and services to create regional value chains.
“We cannot overemphasize the unprecedented opportunities in regional integration, digitalization, and green energy development,” he remarked, pointing to the AfCFTA as a catalyst for job creation and economic transformation.
On education, he urged governments and policymakers to prioritize investments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and vocational training. “Investments in STEM and TVET are non-negotiable for building the productive capabilities of young people and ensuring the competitiveness of our countries.”
Mr. Gatete stated that equipping youth with the right skills is essential to ensuring they thrive in the modern workforce.
While celebrating the resilience and innovation of Africa’s youth, he cautioned that inaction could undermine their potential. “It would be unforgivable if they are shortchanged because of the actions we fail to take today,” said Mr. Gatete, who reiterated ECA’s commitment to supporting Africa’s youth in their pursuit of socio-economic progress.
“Together, we can shape a future where African youth lead the continent towards a better, more equitable world.”
As Africa prepares for the outcomes of the Summit of the Future, Mr. Gatete’s remarks serve as a clear call to action: Africa’s young people must lead the charge, driving innovation, accountability, and sustainable progress for the continent and beyond.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
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Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
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E-mail: eca-info@un.org