The African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has urged Africa to invest more in the youth to enable them innovate and drive the continent’s transformation.
The new AUC chairperson was speaking at the African Economic Platform taking place in the Mauritian capital, Port Louis.
“It is therefore very important that we invest in this young resource – our people, especially in health and education. We need to skill them especially in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics areas so that they can innovate and drive our transformation,” Faki said.
The meeting in Mauritius is the first of its kind after the AU authorized the formation of the AEP in 2016.
The inaugural platform has attracted various African leaders including the Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Namibian Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa, Mauritian Prime Minister among others.
Faki who won the AUC Chairperson vote in February also took the chance to remind Africa about the continent’s Agenda 2063, urging African nations to use the diversity to the continent’s advantage.
“Our pledge in Agenda 2063 is to use the diversity that is our strength as a force for peace and democracy, to transform our economies, and to eradicate poverty and create a better life for all Africans,” he said.
The AEP is expected to end on Tuesday.
