During the 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings 2024 (AAM2024) in the Bahamas, Gabriel Edgal, Chairman and Group CEO of Oakwood Green Africa, emphasized the crucial role that Africa's youth must play in shaping the continent's future.
Speaking on the panel titled "Building Bridges Across Generations: The Role of Youth in Shaping the Next Era of Global Africa," he highlighted the necessity for young Africans to actively participate in decision-making processes that will define Global Africa's trajectory.
The event, hosted by Afreximbank, brought together leaders and stakeholders to discuss enhancing trade and economic development across Africa and the Caribbean.
This year's theme, "Owning our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa," underscored the importance of youth engagement in driving economic integration and innovation.
Mr. Edgal shared how the synergy between experienced leaders and youthful innovation can propel Africa towards a future enriched with trade, investment, and economic integration.
He advocated for African youth to be actively involved in sectors such as trade, technology, and education, emphasizing the importance of STEM subjects and ICT in preparing them for future job markets.
Moreover, Mr. Edgal highlighted the potential of leveraging AI and other emerging technologies to bridge the digital divide and foster innovation across the continent.
He also emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to harness the skills and capital of Africans worldwide to drive development, citing examples of professionals of African descent contributing significantly to various sectors globally.
“Imagine the impact if we can harness their skills, along with those of other professionals of African descent, can address various challenges in Africa. There needs to be a deliberate strategy to tap into these rich experiences to build the Africa we desire,” he said.
In addition, Mr. Edgal pointed out the economic potential of Africa's creative industry, particularly through genres like Afrobeats, which have gained global recognition and generated substantial revenue.
He also urged the youth to embrace the concept of Global Africa and take proactive steps to contribute meaningfully to the continent's development.
To illustrate, he referenced historical figures like Mansa Musa, encouraging today's youth to explore their potential and showcase Africa's wealth and culture on the global stage.
He concluded by stressing the transformative impact that youth empowerment and collaboration can have in building the Africa envisioned for future generations.