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World Bank hosts first annual African Youth Forum

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Africa’s economic growth is climbing at a much quicker pace than many other regions in the world, averaging 4.5 percent annually since 1995. Endowed with rich natural resources and even more human capital, Africa is one of the most economically promising continents globally.
 
Another measure of growth is reflected in the continent’s demographic dividend, which accounts for 200 million people aged between 15 and 24. Africa has the youngest population in the world, with about 2 to 3 million of these young people entering the labor force every year. 
 
According to the World Bank report on Youth and Employment in Sub-Saharan Africa, raising earning potential among Africa’s growing youth population is a major priority for the region that will require strong action on multiple fronts.
 
Building around this report, the World Bank Group-International Monetary Fund Young African Society or YAS, will host a one-day African Youth Forum on July 31st, 2014 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm EDT. The event is centered on the four thematic areas (Education, Health, Good Governance and Entrepreneurship) that emerged as among the top 5 priorities for young people in the My World 2015 Survey. The forum will feature several panels focused on Youth as an instrumental driving force of the Africa development agenda.
 
The Forum will conclude with the discussion of actionable steps to end Africa’s rising numbers of youth unemployment and underemployment. These actionable steps, recommended by the participating youth, will be delivered to African heads of state during the High Level Presidential Dialogue at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit.
 
Registration for the public is still open here. The event will also be streamed online for those who are not able to attend in person.
 
To join the discussion, please follow @WorldBankAfrica on Twitter and use the hashtag #AfricaYF2014.
 
Watch the recorded event here.

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