Photo: World Bank
Your Excellencies,
We hope this letter finds you all in excellent spirits and health.
On behalf of Africa’s vibrant and visionary youth community, we extend our heartfelt thanks to you, our esteemed leaders, for your attendance at the Africa Human Capital Heads of State Summit in Tanzania. The Summit’s theme 'Linking Investments in Human Capital to Economic Growth and Harnessing the Demographic Dividend, by Addressing Learning Poverty and the Skills Gap for Youth and Women' could not be more timely.
We passionately believe that your participation in and efforts coming out of this summit will be instrumental in shaping the future trajectory of Africa. Your visionary leadership has the power to ignite a pan-African movement, where investments in human capital take center stage, paving the way for sustainable growth, economic diversification, and social prosperity.
Your Excellencies, now, more than ever, the African youth look to you as beacons of inspiration, courageously leading the charge towards a brighter future. Your presence at this summit demonstrates your unwavering commitment to Africa's progress and invigorates the aspirations of countless young minds across the continent.
Learning poverty is a roadblock that prevents many young minds from reaching their full potential. Together, we can overcome this hurdle by building well-equipped schools; ensuring every child has access to quality education and an opportunity to thrive. Let us work towards erasing the stigma around learning disabilities by improving mother-tongue education and equipping educators with the necessary skills and resources to tackle related issues effectively. Every child deserves equal opportunities to access education that will help them flourish.
The skills gap poses a formidable hurdle on the path to our continent's prosperity. Yet, within this challenge lies an extraordinary opportunity for transformation. Together, we can bridge the skills gap by establishing comprehensive support systems that empower our youth and women, equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to excel in their chosen endeavors.
We also believe in the power of technology and digital education for economic transformation in our local communities. Imagine a world where affordable internet access is available to everyone, enabling us to learn new skills, explore different trades, and catalyze the power of the internet in achieving our dreams. Now is the time to bridge the skills gap by investing in environments that facilitate innovation and ingenuity amongst the youth of Africa.
Your Excellencies, our lives, and our happiness inevitably depend on stronger human capital—educated people who are confident and excited about the power they have to realize the dreams of their future. At a time when new challenges are emerging, driven by profound transformations brought about by technological advancements such as AI and its disruptions, investing in our young people's cognitive development, health, and nutrition is more urgent than ever.
This summit then is a clarion call, summoning us to embark on an extraordinary journey. Some of us were privileged to gather in Dar es Salaam, and we shared remarkable stories of triumph and innovation, exchanged invaluable insights and experiences, and hope we have forged life-changing partnerships that will reshape the course of Africa's destiny.
We were excited to have you there representing and advocating for us, the young people of your country. This is a chance to collectively change the trajectory of Africa for the present and future generations. Together, we will usher in a new era of prosperity, unity, and progress, propelling our continent toward its rightful place on the global stage.
Thank you for your attention and consideration, and we look forward to working with you!
Youth Transforming Africa Network
- Adantchede Nonvignon Kelvin
- Ayi Renaud Dossavi
- Brian Kalimbuka
- Buyelani Msweli
- Chiyana Ndonji
- Davis Mazula
- Eliane Aurelie Mbende
- Elsa Marina Syvine
- Emma Kwaje
- Esther Modise
- Exaucée Wonga
- Fadjimata Dit Balla
- Innocent Mwendo
- Mantsebeng Suzan Maepe
- Muhanuuzi Dorah
- Munemo Progress
- Olexa Heshima
- Rabiatou Harouna Moussa
- Sheilla Ayebare
- Timothy Dziedzom Amaglo-Mensah
Join the Conversation