Tendai Keith Guvamombe
African youth have been tipped to take a central role in shaping a peaceful and prosperous continent, focusing their attention on digital skills, good governance, and stability.
This was the resounding message at the 5th African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Youth Symposium, held under the theme “Youth in Governance: From Promise to Prosperity” at the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand.
Honorable Laila Dahi, Chairperson of the Pan-African Parliament Youth Caucus, delivered a powerful call to action, arguing that peace and youth must be at the heart of Africa’s sustainability agenda.
While acknowledging that youth are often at the “forefront of violence,” Dahi stressed that when empowered, they transform into “ambassadors of peace,” driving a new generation of governance open to media and innovation.
She emphasised the urgent need for improvements in education and reformed governance, urging young people to acquire necessary skills like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to thrive in the digital economy.
Furthermore, Dahi highlighted the importance of mental health and wellness standards. She concluded by pushing the PAP to lead by example as it closes its 20th Anniversary, including moving towards a digital, paperless economy.
Mr. Ahmed Bening, Secretary General of the Pan-African Youth Union, congratulated the APRM for successfully convening the symposium, calling it a crucial platform for the youth to discuss pertinent issues facing the continent.
The Symposium serves as a strategic platform for intergenerational dialogue and is expected to make a substantive contribution to the forthcoming African Governance Report (AGR) 2027, focused on “Youth and Governance in Africa: Towards Global Leadership.”
