EXPERTS SAY INVESTING IN YOUTH IS KEY TO ECONOMIC GROWTH

Stakeholders have stressed that investing in young people is essential to driving economic growth, creating jobs, and building a more productive workforce.

They said youth development should go beyond education and include access to skills training, entrepreneurship opportunities, technology, and financial support to help young people contribute meaningfully to the economy.

Experts noted that Africa’s large youth population presents a major opportunity for economic transformation if governments and businesses provide the right environment for innovation, employment, and enterprise development.

They warned that failure to address youth unemployment and skills gaps could limit economic progress and increase social challenges.

Industry leaders called for stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors to create programmes that equip young people with relevant skills for the future of work.

They added that empowering the next generation through investment and opportunity will be critical to achieving sustainable economic growth and long-term development.