Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-03-13 07:13:06
Africans youths have been encouraged to focus on developing their skills in trade, entrepreneurship, and other sectors of the economy to contribute to the overall socio-economic growth of the continent. This advice was given by speakers at a youth forum held during the All African Games, emphasizing the importance of such skills in unlocking opportunities while pursuing regular migration.
The speakers, including Regina Hammond from AfCFTA Liaison for International Trade Centre, Dr. Nancy Adossi from the AU Commission, Dr. Ify Ogo the Regional Specialist for AfCFTA, and entrepreneur Ferdinand Adimefe, highlighted the significance of leveraging trade opportunities like the AfCFTA and the free movement protocol of the AU to promote businesses.
The event, organized by the AU and facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM Ghana), aimed to discuss how enhanced mobility could empower individuals, contribute to socio-economic growth, and drive continental development.
Ms. Hammond emphasized how AfCFTA has impacted trade positively but also mentioned challenges like tariffs and non-tariff barriers affecting the mobility of individuals. Dr. Adossi stressed the importance of youth mobility and exchange of skills as outlined in the AU’s Agenda 2026 strategic framework, especially with the projected one billion African youth by 2026.
Dr. Ogo highlighted the significance of mobility schemes, including visa mobility schemes, in enabling individuals to move within Africa with different skill sets. Conversely, Mr. Adimefe expressed concerns about the lack of educational institutions in Africa providing innovative skills for entrepreneurship and the existing mindset of Africans towards intracontinental trade.
He called on the youth to change their mindset and collaborate to enhance trade interconnectedness, thereby driving rapid socio-economic development. Prudence Ngwenya, the Director of the AU Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate, urged the youth to seize opportunities offered by AU flagship programs and initiatives, emphasizing their role in their own development.
Mariama Cisse, the Director of the IOM Special Liaison Office to the AU Commission, highlighted the importance of mobility in fostering growth, development, and continental integration. She emphasized Africa’s responsibility in harnessing the potential of its youth, who make up a significant portion of the population.
Ms. Cisse also addressed the misuse of sports as a tool for trafficking in persons, calling for efforts to combat and neutralize this exploitative trend. In conclusion, the importance of unity, shared identity, and purpose through sport was recognized, with the need to eliminate its misuse for criminal activities.
In essence, the forum underscored the need for African youth to equip themselves with the necessary skills, mindset, and opportunities to contribute effectively to the continent’s socio-economic development. Through collaboration, innovation, and a change in mindset, the youth can play a vital role in shaping Africa’s future prosperity.
Read the original article on Ghanaian Times
