President John Dramani Mahama has noted that Africa’s future hinges on the potential of its youth. Over 60% of the continent’s population is under the age of 25.
In his remarks at a high-level retreat of Heads of State on the African Union’s Institutional Reforms, the president argued that the Union’s frameworks must empower young people and women to take on leadership roles at all levels of governance. This will ensure that their voices are heard in the policymaking process.
Referring to the recent election of Ghana’s first female Vice President, Mr Mahama said it is a testament to his commitment to inclusive leadership.
“Africa’s future lies in its youth, and over 60% of our population is under 25. Yet, their voices are largely absent in policymaking. We must institutionalise frameworks that empower our young people and women to lead at all levels of governance”, he noted.
According to President Mahama, while the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement has laid the foundation for a single African market, much work remains to be done to address barriers to trade, harmonise regulatory frameworks, and invest in infrastructure to unlock the potential of intra-African trade.
