Youth converge in Addis
The conference features high-level officials, private-sector representatives and young people from 47 African countries.
The African Union Commission (AUC) and SOS Children's Villages International collaborated to host a Pan-African Youth Empowerment Conference under way in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The conference will feature high-level officials, private-sector representatives and young people from 47 African countries to lead the process of formulating a roadmap that seeks to foster youth employability and entrepreneurship on the continent.
According to recent figures from the African Development Bank, there are 480 million young people on the continent today, with 10 million to 13 million entering the job market every year. But only three million are getting wage employment.
“Across Africa, young people are facing challenges finding decent employment and climbing out of poverty. With more than 65% of the population being under the age of 35, securing employability and self-employment for young people, achieved through innovative approaches, could be the best weapon to fight against poverty and the numerous associated challenges,” said Prudence Ngwenya, head of human resources and youth development at the AUC.
“Active participation of young people in shaping their future is pivotal to put in place policies and strategies with sustainable solutions. The exchange will bridge the gap that exists between policies and young people's interest.”
Dereje Wordofa, international director for the eastern and southern Africa region of SOS Children's Villages International, further explained: “The conference will allow young people to share their perspectives with key stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges they face, but also they will explore opportunities for job creation, entrepreneurship and self-reliance. This will enable them to be effective contributors to their communities and national development schemes, as well as to be competitive at a global level.”
The three-day conference will form a basis for the African Union Commission, SOS Children's Villages and partners to address Africa's high levels of youth unemployment while contributing to goals set out in Africa's Agenda 2063 and the global Agenda 2030.
STAFF REPORTER
The conference will feature high-level officials, private-sector representatives and young people from 47 African countries to lead the process of formulating a roadmap that seeks to foster youth employability and entrepreneurship on the continent.
According to recent figures from the African Development Bank, there are 480 million young people on the continent today, with 10 million to 13 million entering the job market every year. But only three million are getting wage employment.
“Across Africa, young people are facing challenges finding decent employment and climbing out of poverty. With more than 65% of the population being under the age of 35, securing employability and self-employment for young people, achieved through innovative approaches, could be the best weapon to fight against poverty and the numerous associated challenges,” said Prudence Ngwenya, head of human resources and youth development at the AUC.
“Active participation of young people in shaping their future is pivotal to put in place policies and strategies with sustainable solutions. The exchange will bridge the gap that exists between policies and young people's interest.”
Dereje Wordofa, international director for the eastern and southern Africa region of SOS Children's Villages International, further explained: “The conference will allow young people to share their perspectives with key stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges they face, but also they will explore opportunities for job creation, entrepreneurship and self-reliance. This will enable them to be effective contributors to their communities and national development schemes, as well as to be competitive at a global level.”
The three-day conference will form a basis for the African Union Commission, SOS Children's Villages and partners to address Africa's high levels of youth unemployment while contributing to goals set out in Africa's Agenda 2063 and the global Agenda 2030.
STAFF REPORTER
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