REIMAGINING AFRICA’S FUTURE

Described by the United Nations foundation as the home to the fastest growing youthful population globally, recognised by the world economic forum as the youngest continent projected to constitute housing 42% of global youth population by 2030, and at the same time identified by the world bank to be a continent faced with several development challenges, having 462 million people living in poverty, almost 60% youths out of school, and holding the highest global average youth unemployment rate of 12.2%, with one out of six youths in wage employment.

These economic hardships force young Africans to navigate treacherous waters in search of opportunities that match their talents and aspirations. Consequently, many young people resort to illegal activities for survival, contributing to rising crime rates and social instability. Access to quality education and training suffers as well, creating a significant skills gap among young Africans. This vicious cycle of poverty, poor education, and unemployment stifles the continent’s potential.
There is an urgency in the need for investment in African youthful population. The world bank has gone further to state that one way out of the dilemma faced by African youths is INVESTMENT IN AFRICA’S HUMAN RESOURCE.

In 2025, we will host the first-ever African Futures Summit, an expression of the African Youth Mentorship Symposium powered by Primacy Youth Development Initiative, a registered youth led and youth focused non profit organization that is headquartered in Lagos Nigeria. This event aims to bring young Africans, government stakeholders, and African-focused youth-led organizations together in Lagos, Nigeria, for three days to re-envisage a more sustainable future for Africa’s rapidly growing youthful population and future generations.

The Summit will Feature;

Expert speaker sessions
practical workshops
A 3 days career fair
High level networking & intergenerational collaboration
Goal setting & Vidion mapping

Background
Symposium Objectives
Expected Outcomes

In 2023, the first symposium under the theme “Building Young Leaders: Technological and Entrepreneurial Skills for the Advancement of the African Continent” was hosted in 10 African countries, with 5 virtual and 5 physical events in Nigeria, South Africa, Liberia, Uganda, and Cameroon. The event hosted over 1200 participants, including high school students, undergraduates, early career professionals, and industry experts.
In 2024, a subsequent symposium in Lagos, Nigeria, gathered over 500 youths consisting of secondary schools students, university students and early career professionals, under the theme “Reshaping the Future and Beyond: Empowering Youths for the Jobs of the Future.” Many more symposia are planned across the continent throughout the year.

Engage African youth in discussions on critical sectors aligning with Africa’s sustainable development.
Create networking opportunities for African youth to connect with peers, mentors, professionals, and government stakeholders.
Develop actionable frameworks guiding stakeholders on policies regarding young people and Africa’s future generations.

Increased awareness and understanding among African youth about critical sectors impacting Africa’s sustainable development.
Strengthened connections and collaborations among African youth, mentors, professionals, and government stakeholders for sustainable development initiatives.
Enhanced policy frameworks and recommendations to support the involvement of young people in shaping Africa’s future.
Empowerment of African youth to actively participate in decision-making processes and initiatives concerning Africa’s sustainable development.