ABUJA - 10 November - As part of its efforts to foster youth empowerment and accelerate sustainable development, UNDP Nigeria has proudly sponsored over 20 outstanding young Nigerians to attend the 2024 YouthConnekt Africa Summit. This year’s summit, held in Kigali, Rwanda, themed “Jobs for Youth through Innovative Skilling” brought together some of Africa’s most promising young changemakers, leaders, and entrepreneurs.

The YouthConnekt Africa Summit, first held in Kigali in 2017, has become one of the continent’s most important platforms for youth engagement and advocacy. Each year, it attracts thousands of young Africans, along with policymakers, development partners, and private sector stakeholders, to discuss challenges, explore solutions, and foster partnerships for youth-led development. This year’s event is expected to draw over 10,000 participants from across Africa and beyond, focusing on strategies to unleash the economic potential of Africa’s youth while addressing pressing issues such as climate change, economic inequality, and digital transformation.

Recognizing Nigeria’s vast youth demographic and the critical role young Nigerians play in driving innovation and economic growth, UNDP Nigeria’s sponsorship highlights its commitment to empowering the next generation of Nigerian leaders. These selected delegates represent a diverse array of sectors, including technology, agribusiness, healthcare, social enterprise, and the creative economy. Each participant was chosen for their exceptional leadership potential, dedication to sustainable development, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

Speaking during the send-off of the Nigerian youth delegates Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative stated that, “This support to select youth leaders in the country aligns with UNDP’s strategic focus on promoting inclusive economic growth, addressing inequalities, and building resilient communities. The summit provides a unique opportunity for young Nigerians to exchange ideas with other young Africans, gain insights from leading global experts, and establish partnerships that will drive their work forward. She further added that, “UNDP Nigeria is committed to equipping young Nigerians with the skills, resources, and networks they need to lead Africa into a prosperous future. By investing in these dynamic young leaders, we are investing in Nigeria’s future and in the resilience of Africa as a whole.

Through sessions on topics such as climate action, digital transformation, and youth employment, these Nigerian delegates will gain critical knowledge and skills to enhance their initiatives and better tackle the unique challenges facing Nigeria’s youth. Among the delegates are founders of social enterprises tackling mental health issues, young innovators promoting sustainable agriculture, creative entrepreneurs focused on upcycling and eco-friendly fashion, and digital change-makers expanding access to digital literacy and financial services in underserved communities. By supporting their participation in the YouthConnekt Africa Summit, UNDP Nigeria is ensuring that Nigerian youth voices are heard on a continental stage, providing them with the opportunity to learn, network, and collaborate with their peers from across Africa.

Speaking at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, the Honorable Minister of Youth Development Mr. Olawande Ayodele, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olusanya Olubunmi, outlined the various youth-focused initiatives introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to empower and uplift Nigerian youth. Additionally, he emphasized Nigeria’s dedication to youth growth both within the country and across Africa, encouraging youth leaders at the summit to adopt the “One Youth, Two Skills” mantra championed by Nigeria’s Youth Minister. This initiative aims to create a generation of skilled youth capable of driving growth and development throughout Africa.

The Youth ConnektAfrica Summit offers an invaluable platform for young Nigerians to amplify their voices, engage with decision-makers, and forge partnerships that will shape the continent’s future. As the delegates return from the Summit, UNDP Nigeria looks forward to supporting them in translating their experiences into impactful projects that contribute to Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals. Through this sponsorship and collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, UNDP Nigeria reaffirms its dedication to empowering youth as drivers of social change and sustainable development, fostering a generation of young Nigerians ready to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.

For more information on UNDP Nigeria’s work with youth and sustainable development, visit UNDP Nigeria’s website: www.ng.undp.org or follow @UNDP_Nigeria on social media.

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Christabel Chanda-Ginsberg 

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Email:christabel.chanda-ginsberg@undp.org