Addis Ababa, April 3, 2025 (FMC) — The Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Selma Malika Haddadi, highlighted the urgent need to unlock Africa’s youth potential for a prosperous future.
The Pan African Youth Leadership Summit opened today in Addis Ababa at the Adwa Victory Memorial, under the theme “Unlocking the Power of Youth for a Prosperous Africa.”
Speaking at the occasion, she emphasized the critical role young people must play in shaping Africa’s development and peacebuilding agenda.
Ambassador Haddadi praised Ethiopia for hosting the summit, which aligns with the African Youth Charter and the Youth Decade Plan of Action.
She noted, “This gathering is not just a summit; it is a call to action, a platform for bold ideas, and a moment to reimagine Africa’s future—with youth at its heart.”
By 2030, Africa’s youth population will surpass 1.5 billion, a strategic asset that needs to be nurtured, she said. Addressing this demographic shift, she questioned, “Are we doing enough to harness the full potential of Africa’s young people?”
She pointed out the African Union’s comprehensive approach, including frameworks like Agenda 2063 and the 1 Million Next Level Initiative, aimed at empowering youth through education, employment, entrepreneurship, engagement, and health.
The 1 Million Next Level Initiative, launched in 2022, aims to reach 300 million young Africans by 2030.
Ambassador Haddadi also discussed the upcoming 20th anniversary of the African Youth Charter in 2026 and its ongoing revitalization process through the AYC@20 campaign, ensuring youth participation in shaping its future.
In her conclusion, she stressed that Africa’s future depends on justice, equity, opportunity, and inclusion, ensuring no young person is left behind, per ENA.
“You are not the leaders of tomorrow. You are the leaders of today,” she reminded the attendees, urging concrete actions to build a prosperous future for Africa.
The summit will continue with discussions on peace, economic empowerment, climate resilience, education, and leadership.