21/05/2026
The need to place young people at the centre of Africa’s governance, leadership and development agenda took centre stage during the Africa Day 2026 celebrations held at the United States International University–Africa.
Speaking during the commemoration, Amb. Dr. Samori Okwiya challenged African leaders, institutions and stakeholders to create meaningful opportunities that empower youth to actively participate in shaping the continent’s future.
The event, held under the theme “The Role of the Youth in the Governance and Leadership Discourse in Africa,” brought together diplomats, scholars, students, Pan-Africanists and members of the East African Youth Parliament to reflect on Africa’s development journey and the place of young people within it.
Addressing the participants, Amb. Dr. Okwiya stated that Africa Day remains a historic reminder of the vision of the founders of the Organization of African Unity in 1963 a vision anchored on unity, liberation, dignity and self-determination for African people.
He emphasized that while Africa has made significant progress over the decades, the continent’s future will largely depend on how effectively it invests in and empowers its youthful population.
“Africa today is the youngest continent in the world, with the majority of its population below the age of 35. If properly harnessed, this demographic reality presents a unique strategic opportunity for transformation, innovation and prosperity,” he said.
Additionally, Amb. Dr. Okwiya, noted that Agenda 2063 recognizes the critical role of youth in driving Africa’s socio-economic transformation and sustainable development. He observed that young Africans are already making significant contributions across various sectors including technology, entrepreneurship, creative arts, peacebuilding and civic engagement.
“Across the continent, the youth are redefining African identity through music, film, fashion, sports and innovation, while increasingly influencing governance conversations and community development initiatives,” he stated.
Amb. Dr. Okwiya also urged African youth to embrace peacebuilding and social cohesion, noting that young people have a role to play in countering extremism and fostering peaceful coexistence across societies. He further challenged the youth to believe in Africa’s collective potential and work beyond borders, ethnicity and divisions in advancing the continent’s unity and integration agenda.
In conclusion he emphasised the Secretariat’s commitment in supporting the domestication and implementation of the African Union Agenda 2063 framework, dubbed “The Africa We Want.”