First Gentleman Epaphras Ndaitwah of Namibia has called on Russia and African countries to leverage their longstanding relations to create job opportunities for young people. He made the remarks at the Russia-Africa Youth Forum held at MGIMO University in Moscow. Ndaitwah emphasized that many young individuals possess qualifications but lack jobs, ideas but no capital, and talent but no networks. He stressed the need to treat young people as partners in current development efforts rather than leaders of the future.
Ndaitwah highlighted that the Third Russia-Africa Summit, themed "For Peace, Security and Development," is taking place in Moscow, where leaders will sign agreements. However, he noted that these agreements will only become tangible when people take action to implement them. The First Gentleman identified education, entrepreneurship, logistics, new media, artificial intelligence, women's leadership, and diplomacy as areas that can create opportunities for young Africans and Russians.
To foster collaboration, Ndaitwah proposed establishing stronger links between universities in Russia and Africa, including joint research initiatives to address challenges in water, energy, health, and agriculture. He suggested that students from Moscow and Windhoek could work together to solve real-world problems. This, he believes, will enable young people to develop practical skills and solutions.
Ndaitwah also emphasized the need to support young entrepreneurs in benefiting directly from trade between Russia and Africa. He argued that commercial opportunities should not be limited to large companies, but rather be accessible to young people who can exchange goods, services, and ideas. This, he believes, will promote economic growth and development.
In the field of technology, Ndaitwah urged African countries to develop their own capacity in artificial intelligence rather than relying solely on tools developed elsewhere. He stressed that Africa must not only consume new tools like artificial intelligence but also design and build them. This will enable the continent to harness the benefits of technology and drive innovation.
Ndaitwah highlighted the significance of education in strengthening relations between Russia and Africa. He noted that over 37,000 young Africans currently study at Russian universities, and Namibia has benefited from educational and professional training in Russia. Many Namibian professionals, including doctors, engineers, and teachers, have been trained in Russia and are now serving their country.
The First Gentleman also reflected on the historical ties between Namibia and Russia, dating back to the liberation struggle. He recalled that he left Namibia in 1974 to join SWAPO in exile and underwent military training in Simferopol in 1977. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1990, the year Namibia gained independence. Ndaitwah also noted that Namibia's youthful population, with over 71% under the age of 35, presents both an opportunity and a responsibility.
Key points
- Ndaitwah challenges Russia and Africa to create practical opportunities for young people.
- He proposes stronger links between universities in Russia and Africa.
- Ndaitwah urges African countries to develop their own capacity in artificial intelligence.
