Pres. Taye highlights importance of nurturing young African leaders to drive change in continent

Addis Ababa, April 3, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie highlighted the importance of nurturing young leaders who are aware of the evolving global geopolitical landscape and are committed to driving change.

President Taye made the remark at the pan-African Youth Leadership Summit opened today in Addis Ababa under the theme “Unlocking the Power of Youth for prosperous Africa.”

During his inaugural speech at the summit, he pointed out that Africa’s quest for freedom and equality was essential in overcoming colonial oppression.

He reminded the audience that this struggle was championed by remarkable African leaders and laid the groundwork for the formation of the African Union.

President Taye urged the youth to honor the sacrifices made by their ancestors in the pursuit of freedom and equality by fostering development and peace through wisdom and knowledge.

The young generation of the continent should devise solutions rooted in wisdom and knowledge to tackle pressing issues such as unemployment, climate change, and political instability in Africa, the president underscored.

He noted that young leaders are expected to generate ideas and make decisions that are relevant to the changing global geopolitics.

Citing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Philosophy of Medemer, Africa has no other alternative than strengthening their partnership and work in collaboration, the president stated stressing the significance of Medemer philosophy to ensuring development and peace across the entire Africa.

Youth affairs ministers, young leaders from across Africa, intellectuals, Pan-African youth activists, and senior government officials are attending the three day summit.

The objective of the summit is to boost the involvement of African youth in the pursuit of a prosperous and sustainable peace across the continent.

It is anticipated that the summit will significantly contribute to the advancement of Pan-Africanism among the youth of Africa.

The summit represents a movement dedicated to creating cross-border collaborations and promoting the essence of Pan-Africanism among emerging leaders, as noted by a spokesperson.