November 8, Kigali – Rwandan President Paul Kagame called on African leaders to improve governance and prioritize youth empowerment as essential steps for transforming the continent. Speaking at the Youth Connekt Africa Summit 2024 in Kigali, Kagame emphasized the need to address political instability and governance failures that have plagued Africa for decades, stalling its progress.
Reflecting on his experiences as a refugee fleeing ethnic violence in Rwanda, Kagame questioned why issues he witnessed as a child persist in Africa today. “What I experienced when I was four years old, why should it be happening now anywhere?” he asked, urging leaders to pursue “right politics” and to prevent future generations from enduring the same hardships.
Kagame shared personal stories with thousands attending the summit, themed “Jobs for Youth Through Innovative Skilling,” recounting life lessons from his youth that taught him resilience outside of formal education. His exchanges with his father about identity and survival as refugees underscored his belief that effective governance must be rooted in empathy and understanding of citizens’ struggles. “We grew up experiencing things… you don’t learn in school but you learn in life,” Kagame noted, appealing for leaders to use their power to create lasting, meaningful change.
Addressing Africa’s growing youth population, Kagame stressed that empowering young Africans through education, innovation, and employment is key to harnessing the continent’s demographic advantage. He voiced concern over the disconnect between governance systems and the aspirations of Africa’s youth, who face limited opportunities due to ineffective governance. Kagame urged African leaders to tackle these gaps and champion transformative policies that open doors for the continent’s youth.
The Youth Connekt initiative, which seeks to foster socio-economic transformation by connecting African youth with resources and opportunities, has grown significantly since its launch. With 33 African member states involved, the initiative aims to foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and social impact among young Africans, in alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
The summit also featured insights from leaders like Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane, who encouraged youth to embrace an entrepreneurial spirit, and Chief Changemaker Mumbi Ndung’u, who advocated for modernized education systems to equip young Africans for a rapidly evolving job market. “The future of work is not linear,” Ndung’u said, stressing the importance of agility in education.
UNDP Assistant Administrator Ahunna Eziakonwa lauded Kagame’s vision for the Youth Connekt initiative as a vital platform for empowering young Africans amid global inequalities. She highlighted the urgency of skilling Africa’s youth to help the continent thrive in a competitive world.
As African leaders address governance issues and the threats faced by marginalized communities, Kagame’s call for action resonated strongly across the summit. With more than 3,000 attendees from around Africa, the event underscored the importance of collaborative, youth-centered policies as essential for Africa’s future. Kagame’s focus on learning from past mistakes seeks to propel the continent toward resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
