The African Union Women and Youth Directorate has held a ceremony to celebrate “Youth Month” with a key highlight on the crucial role of youth in achieving the aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063.
It also emphasised entrepreneurship as a driving force for youth emancipation from poverty.
The programme underscores the importance of gender and youth mainstreaming for an inclusive Africa, where the voices of the 75percent population of women and youth are heard at decision-making tables, aligning with the African Union’s constitutional commitment and fundamental human rights.
The event marked the launch of its next-level project at the continental Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) themed: “One Million Next Level is Knocking: Youth-led Movements that Transcend Borders,” showcasing the impact of youth-led initiatives driving positive change beyond national boundaries.
Africa envisions a future where both genders contribute equally to society, with Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063 emphasising people-driven development, relying on the potential of women and youth. Despite progress, African women and youth have endured cycles of poverty due to various factors.
To overcome these challenges, the African Union advocated for policies and legal frameworks to provide broader opportunities for women and youth, aiming for their economic empowerment and the continent’s sustainable development. Key frameworks include the AU Strategy for Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment, the Maputo Protocol, SDGEA, the African Youth Charter, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
President of Africa Continent Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Young Entrepreneurs Federation (AfYEF), Prince Siita Sofo Hissan, stressed the need to actively engage and support African youth in seizing opportunities, stating: “Opportunities wo not come to us; we must actively seek them.To achieve the African Union Agenda 2063, we must play an essential role. Let’s engage and make it happen.”
“On behalf of the African youth, we express our gratitude for the immense support from Ms. Prudence Nonkululeko Ngwenya, the Director of Women, Gender, and Youth at the African Union, Joshua K. Quaye of Youth Engagement Associate, Ms. Janice Zibusiso Gugu Khumalo, Arlette Akingeneye, and the entire team at the African Union Commission,” he added.
The event was graced by distinguished guests from the Ministry for Youth and Sports, Institutional Matters and Programme Coordination at AfCFTA, the National Youth Authority and presidents of various youth organisations.
