President John Dramani Mahama has called on African governments to make deliberate and sustained investments in young people, stressing that the continent’s long-term prosperity depends on unlocking the full potential of its youthful population.
Speaking at Kenya’s 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations on Friday, December 12, 2025, President Mahama said Africa cannot achieve meaningful development without empowering its youth through education, skills training and innovation-led opportunities.
“The time has come for us to unleash the creativity and energies of our young people,” he said, describing Africa’s youthful population as its greatest strategic advantage.
He argued that while Africa’s forebears secured political independence, the responsibility of the current generation of leaders is to deliver economic freedom that translates into decent jobs and sustainable livelihoods for young people.
President Mahama noted that a new development approach must deliberately position young Africans at the centre of value addition, technology, entrepreneurship and industrial growth.
He further stressed the need for transparent and accountable leadership, saying policies must ensure that young people directly benefit from Africa’s natural resource wealth and economic opportunities.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
