On the occasion of Africa Youth Day, celebrated on November 1, Fateh Boutbig, President of the Pan-African Parliament, has emphasized the need for increased investment in African youth and their participation in decision-making bodies. He believes their involvement is crucial to achieving the ambitions of the African Union's Agenda 2063. Boutbig highlighted the significant contributions of young Africans to change, including entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
According to Boutbig, African youth are already contributing to change through various means, including entrepreneurship, innovation, parliamentary action, peace consolidation, and community leadership. However, he noted that several obstacles hinder their progress, such as unemployment, limited access to quality education and skills development, and the consequences of conflicts and displacement. These challenges weigh heavily on the prospects of many young Africans.
To overcome these constraints, Boutbig advocates for sustainable investments, accountable institutions, and genuine opportunities for youth participation in public life. He urges governments, national parliaments, regional institutions, civil society, and development partners to launch initiatives that promote decent employment, entrepreneurship, innovation, and access to responsibilities. This, he believes, will enable young Africans to contribute effectively to the continent's development.
The Pan-African Parliament plays a central role in promoting youth participation, according to Boutbig. He emphasizes the need to strengthen the implementation of the African Charter on Youth, expand economic opportunities, and consolidate youth participation in governance. This will help translate continental commitments into concrete improvements in their living conditions. The Parliament's caucus on youth has been instrumental in defending youth priorities and representing their views.
Boutbig commends the youth caucus within the Pan-African Parliament for its efforts in promoting dialogue, advocacy, and cooperation. The caucus has helped bridge the gap between parliamentary action and the concerns of young African generations. Its work has been crucial in representing youth perspectives during deliberations and promoting their interests.
In 2027, the Pan-African Parliament will host a conference dedicated to youth, which will examine their contribution to achieving the African Union's objectives, particularly those of Agenda 2063. The conference will provide a platform for young Africans to share their priorities, present concrete proposals, and engage directly with parliamentarians and stakeholders. This initiative aims to strengthen youth participation in the continent's development.
The African Youth Day celebrations serve as a reminder of the importance of involving young people in shaping the continent's future. As Boutbig emphasized, their participation is crucial to achieving the ambitions of Agenda 2063. By investing in their potential and providing opportunities for participation, Africa can harness the energy and creativity of its youth to drive growth and development.
Key points
- Fateh Boutbig calls for increased investment in African youth and their participation in decision-making bodies.
- The Pan-African Parliament will host a youth conference in 2027 to examine their contribution to achieving the African Union's objectives.
- African youth face several obstacles, including unemployment, limited access to quality education, and the consequences of conflicts and displacement.
