In a remarkable event held on Africa Day, the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative Global Director addressed an enthusiastic audience of young leaders from across the continent. The event was organized by the Future Africa and Nigeria Youth for SDGs Network and aimed to explore the transformative potential of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in empowering African youth and promoting sustainable development.
The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative Global Director-Mr Olasupo Abideen Opeyemi expressed gratitude towards the Future Africa and Nigeria Youth for SDGs Network for extending the invitation to speak on such a significant platform. The Director acknowledged the importance of Africa Day, which celebrates the rich cultural heritage and collective progress of the African continent.
Under the theme “How Does Implementing the African Continental Free Trade Empower African Youth and Promote Sustainable Development,” the Global Director eloquently shed light on the profound opportunities that the AfCFTA presents for Africa’s burgeoning youth population. The AfCFTA, which officially commenced on January 1, 2021, aims to create a single market for goods and services, facilitate free movement of people, promote economic integration, and foster sustainable development across Africa.
The Global Director emphasized that the implementation of the AfCFTA could serve as a catalyst for empowering African youth and unlocking their potential in various ways. Firstly, the removal of trade barriers within the continent would open up vast market opportunities for young entrepreneurs and small businesses, enabling them to participate more actively in regional and international trade. This, in turn, would foster economic growth, create employment opportunities, and reduce youth unemployment, which is a pressing issue across many African nations.
Furthermore, the Global Director highlighted that the AfCFTA provides a platform for knowledge transfer and technology sharing among African countries. This exchange of expertise and innovation has the potential to accelerate industrialization and diversification of economies, promoting sustainable development practices and reducing dependency on foreign imports.
The Global Director commended the efforts of African youth in embracing the AfCFTA and their active involvement in advocating for its successful implementation. The Director emphasized the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to fully harness the potential benefits of the free trade agreement.
In conclusion, the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative Global Director’s insightful address emphasized the significant role of the AfCFTA in empowering African youth and promoting sustainable development. The event served as a call to action for governments, private sector entities, and civil society organizations to collaborate and create an enabling environment that supports the aspirations of young Africans and ensures they actively participate in the continent’s economic growth and development.
As Africa looks toward a brighter future, the implementation of the AfCFTA holds immense promise for fostering inclusive and sustainable development, driven by the energy, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of its youth.
