Abdou Samb, an engineer and President of the Abdou Samb Foundation, has emphasised the crucial role of youths in driving Africa's next chapter. As an Honorary Ambassador to the Pan-African Parliament for diaspora affairs, Samb has experienced firsthand the impact of merit-based opportunities. He received a scholarship to Europe, built a successful career, and returned to contribute to the continent. Samb's foundation aims to bridge the gap between the continent and its diaspora, talent and opportunity, and young people and institutions.
Samb proposed recognising African youth as the seventh region of the African Union, citing their significant numbers and potential. With nearly 800 million young Africans, he argues that no institution can create enough jobs for all, but enabling some to create their own activities and employ others is a viable solution. In 2003, the African Union recognised the diaspora as the sixth region, and Samb believes it's essential to address the concerns of young people still on the continent. This recognition would give them a voice, resources, and rules based on merit.
Samb criticised the current state of affairs, stating that the African Youth Charter and Agenda 2063 already exist, but implementation, financing, and public accountability are lacking. He called for the African Youth Fund to become operational and for young people to hold real seats, not just consultative ones. Samb also suggested that the AU should go beyond mere hearings and take concrete actions to support young Africans. He cited examples of successful initiatives, such as the Youth Regeneration Summit in Johannesburg.
To reduce youth migration, Samb emphasised the need for capital, open public markets, and institutions that treat young people as partners. He believes that making staying and returning to the continent an intelligent choice is key, rather than trying to forbid departure. Samb also stressed the importance of success being based on merit, not connections. He advocated for open calls, objective criteria, and appointments judged by results, allowing young people to be measured by their productivity.
Samb identified unequal access to credit, contracts, licences, and networks as significant obstacles to youth entrepreneurship. He also criticised institutions that are slow and unpredictable, hindering the growth of young entrepreneurs. Samb called for education to be tied to skills, internships, entrepreneurship, and real employment, preparing young people for the future. With artificial intelligence reshaping the workforce, he emphasised the need for mathematics, data, and critical thinking to become essential skills.
The Abdou Samb Foundation is actively working towards a prosperous and meritocratic Africa. Samb highlighted the success of the Youth Regeneration Summit in Johannesburg, which brought together over a thousand young Africans to affirm the importance of recognising the seventh region. The foundation plans to carry this proposal to AU organs, structuring scholarships and investments to support young people. Samb encouraged frustrated young Africans to build their own opportunities and not wait for permission.
Samb concluded by urging young Africans not to lose hope and to take action. He advised them not to wait for favours or permission but to create their own opportunities. With the right support and institutions, Samb believes that young Africans can drive the continent's next chapter and create a brighter future. His message emphasised the importance of merit, hard work, and determination in achieving success.
Key points
- Abdou Samb calls for African youth to be recognised as the seventh region of the African Union.
- Samb criticises the current state of affairs, citing a lack of implementation, financing, and public accountability.
- He emphasises the need for education to be tied to skills, internships, entrepreneurship, and real employment.
