Nigeria Leads Charge for Youth Empowerment at Youth Connekt Africa Summit, Says Minister

Maryam Aminu

In a groundbreaking commitment to youth development, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, underscored the country’s leading role at the Youth Connekt Africa Summit, positioning it as a landmark event to drive transformative solutions for Africa’s youth.

The Minister emphasized that Nigeria’s active involvement in the summit signals a new chapter in empowering young Africans with vital skills and opportunities to bridge the gap between education and meaningful employment.

Comrade Olawande explained that Nigeria’s participation is more than a show of solidarity it’s a bold commitment to addressing youth unemployment and closing skill gaps across the continent.

During the Youth Connekt Africa Ministerial Policy Roundtable on “Rural Youth Entrepreneurs’ Access to Finance,” organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Rwandan government, Olawande highlighted the summit’s theme, “Jobs for Youth through Innovative Skilling,” as a key initiative toward achieving this goal.

Held in Kigali, Rwanda, the summit brought together youth-focused leaders from across Africa, all unified in a mission to empower young Africans with market-ready skills, promote entrepreneurship, and build pathways to sustainable employment.

The Minister outlined the summit’s strategies, which include advancing digital skills training, innovative financing solutions, and customized programs tailored to prepare African youth for high-demand sectors.

“This summit is not just a forum for discussions but a launchpad for real action, equipping African youth with essential tools like financial access, ICT skills, and mentorship needed to secure meaningful careers and economic independence,” Olawande remarked.

Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, Comrade Olawande underscored the alignment of the summit’s objectives with Nigeria’s vision to narrow the gap between education and workforce demands.

“Youth Connekt Africa is uniquely positioned to bridge educational and employment divides, offering young Africans access to strategic resources and networks that can propel them into key roles in emerging industries,” he added.

With its focus on bolstering youth-led businesses and fostering long-term career growth, the Youth Connekt Africa Summit is setting a new benchmark for youth-focused initiatives on the continent.

As Nigeria takes an influential role in this continental agenda, the ripple effects of this initiative are expected to extend far and wide, presenting a model for sustainable youth empowerment in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.