African Youth urged to unite for prosperous future

Addis Ababa, April 3, 2025 (FMC)— The African Union Special Envoy on Youth, Chido Mpemba, has emphasized the urgent need for young people across the continent to unite.

The Special envoy also stressed the need for refuting such fragmented circles or competing factions, but in true solidarity.

Speaking at the Pan African Youth Leadership Summit, currently underway in Addis Ababa under the theme “Unlocking the Power of Youth for a Prosperous Africa,” Mpemba underlined the importance of a unified voice in shaping the continent’s future.

“If we truly want to build the Africa that we want, then we must become the generation that speaks with one voice, not because we must agree on everything, but because we must agree on one thing, Africa’s future must be shaped by Africans,” she added.

She underscored the need for action beyond rhetoric, highlighting that Africa does not lack ideas or strategies but rather “consistent collective action.”

“Africa cannot keep saying it is the future while outsourcing that future to others,” she warned. “If we want economic prosperity, we must break out of working in silos.”

Mpemba also pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that its potential would remain untapped if young Africans continue to face challenges in cross-border business.

“We need Pan-African youth enterprises, cross-border startups, and policies that empower our generation to engage in trade. We have seen glimpses of this potential—when young Africans collaborate, real change happens,” she underlined.