YouthConnekt Africa 2024: Youth, jobs, and innovative skills at the heart of the continent’s future
The YouthConnekt Africa 2024 Summit took place in Kigali, Rwanda, from November 8 to 10, under the theme "Youth Employment and Innovative Skills." This major gathering, initiated by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, brought together over 4,000 young leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from across Africa. The aim of this 7th edition was to highlight the importance of new skills and innovation in addressing the challenges related to youth employment, which represents more than 60% of Africa's population.
@YouthConnekt
Founded in 2012, YouthConnekt Africa has become a continental framework connecting youth to development opportunities and resources designed to enhance their skills and employability. Since its launch, the initiative has expanded across 33 African countries, addressing critical issues of sustainable development and supporting the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It encourages young people to become agents of change, tackling the social and economic challenges facing their communities.
The annual YouthConnekt Africa summit is a unique opportunity to bring young people together to exchange ideas, participate in hands-on workshops, and engage with experts and high-level policymakers. This year’s program in Kigali focused on six key themes: skills development, digital innovations, creative industries, agribusiness, mental and reproductive health, and entrepreneurship.
« It is imperative to invest in the skills that will allow youth to thrive in a digital and technological world »
Rwandan Prime Minister Dr. Édouard Ngirente emphasized in his closing speech the urgent need to enhance and strengthen the skills of young people. Representing President Kagame, Dr. Ngirente stressed the need for governments and development partners to invest in youth education and training, adapting education systems to the evolving global labor market. « It is imperative to invest in the skills that will allow youth to thrive in a digital and technological world, » he stated.
Dr. Ngirente also highlighted the essential role of innovation and creativity in supporting young entrepreneurs. Through initiatives such as Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), the Rwandan government aims to make youth drivers of economic growth by entrusting them with leadership roles and encouraging their direct involvement in decision-making processes.
Hanga Pitchfest: Promoting youth innovation
Alongside discussions and workshops, the 2024 edition featured Hanga Pitchfest, a competition dedicated to young entrepreneurs. This contest showcased the most promising startups, offering them the opportunity to present their innovative solutions. This year, the Rwandan startup Sinc Today stood out and won the first prize of 50 million Rwandan francs (Rwf). Founded to meet the needs of the event sector, Sinc Today offers a platform to simplify event management and visibility while integrating sustainable solutions.
Geuza Ltd, specializing in low-cost assistive devices made from electronic waste, secured second place with a reward of 20 million Rwf. Afya Wave, a health startup developing affordable ultrasound devices for rural areas, took third place, followed by Clenville Ltd, working on plastic waste management, and Lifeline, a service providing access to emergency medications.
A vision for the future
The YouthConnekt Africa 2024 Summit highlighted the resilience and ingenuity of Africa’s youth in the face of current challenges. This gathering underscored that to transform the continent, youth must be at the center of the action. Through initiatives like Hanga Pitchfest, the summit promotes ambitious young African projects and fosters an innovation ecosystem.
As participants depart, Rwandan Prime Minister’s words resonate: « You are the agents of change that Africa needs. Work hard, maintain strict discipline, and continue to believe in yourself. » YouthConnekt Africa has thus confirmed its vital role in the continent’s transformation, placing youth at the heart of discussions for a more prosperous and inclusive future.
