The fifth edition of the youth connekt summit kicked off on October 13, where thousands of young people from across the continent and beyond converged to discuss issues on digital economy, climate change, sustainable peace and security, among others.

Recent years have seen youth placed at the helm of development in Africa, which is only proper seeing that over 226 million people are aged between 15 and 24 on the continent, making Africa the most youthful continent, according to estimates from the United Nations.

Young people have never carried so much influence like they do now. The spotlight is on them; various policies and platforms have been availed to empower them not only for their growth but that of their respective countries and the continent at large.

Undoubtedly, young people are charging towards this same direction- with various innovations in technology, health, education and social entrepreneurship-their part is playing a key role in driving the continent’s development.

Nonetheless, for Africa to realise its desired growth and ambitions, youth need to do more than innovate, they ought to fully take up the mantle presented to them, upskill and revolutionise to ensure that their role impacts the continent for decades to come.