Youth Connekt: Young people share lessons from the summit

Young people from across the continent met at the recently concluded Youth Connekt Africa summit, where, among other things, realising the potential of Africa’s youthful population topped the agenda. The event brought together young people among other delegates, to discuss issues on climate change, digital economy, sexual reproductive health and mental health among others. The New Times’ Phionah Ingabire Mukono caught up with some of the young delegates who shared their key take-away from the summit. Daisy Chebet, Kenya The summit has opened my mind to many new things. Listening to different speakers and engaging one-on-one with the youth leaders from the different countries, taught me that there are many ways to implement youth reforms. I expected to meet many young people whom I did, and all the sessions that I attended met and even surpassed my expectations. My favourite part of the summit was seeing my Deputy President, Mr. Rigathi Gachagua, talking very passionately about youth issues. His key message during the opening, a rallying call to the youth of Africa, to occupy their rightful place resonated well with most of the youthful participants. We can't wait to host the summit in our country next year. Welcome in advance everyone! Tiavina Nambinitsoa - United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Madagascar When I arrived here, I didn’t know many young Africans, leaders and entrepreneurs. But I managed to make connections with people who can share experience and advise me on how to succeed in what I do. So much was shared but I still think three days is short to gain the desired experience. Abakar Bichara, Chad This is my fourth time in Rwanda for the summit, and for the past three days I met many amazing people. I am proud of Rwanda for bringing many people from different parts of the world. My favourite part of the summit was when the majority of the leaders emphasised on including youth in decision making, and when the Deputy President of Kenya, Rigathi Gachagua, said that the youth are not leaders of tomorrow leaders of today. Armen Matabishi Rugereza, DR Congo I have appreciated everything since the beginning. This is my second time participating in the Youth Connekt Africa Summit. I like it because it puts us, the African youth, together in order to discuss, gain experience and discover what we can do better as youth. Richard Olanya – entrepreneur, Uganda This summit helped me make connections and I have been able to pitch my business to investors who will fund it. This was my favourite part of the summit as I pitched my business. Comrade Sunday Olawayin, Nigeria The summit has been inspiring to me in different ways because I have seen that things can be beyond our imagination and it doesn’t matter what age you are, you can make an impact. You don’t have to be in a leader’s position; you can make a change from your kitchen, your community and your family. I was inspired by the 24-year-old Member of Parliament from Kenya, and what HE Paul Kagame said that ‘we are not a continent of problems.’ I enjoyed the session on how to assess funds and recognising the fact that there are fundamental issues in assessing funds for new start-up businesses. Rachel Hakim Edward - CEO of Da Hakim's Empire Ltd and founder of GoGo Play, South Sudan During this summit, I learnt that I need to learn and relearn. I met people with great networks, people with great values and ambitions; those with the ambition of seeing something happen, and I’m so happy to be part of this. My favourite part was the fellowship about entrepreneurship and leadership which is the focal point in every entrepreneur’s life and the ecosystem policy for entrepreneurs because we really need that. What I’m taking home is that I have to build, accelerate myself and where I am. Through the knowledge I got, I am going higher. Queen Ndilima – Student, Rwanda The summit has helped me to be at the forefront and see problems that Africa has and show me that there is a possibility for me to intervene as youth and be able to change something. I expected to be in a room of intellectual people that have better ideas and meet new people and I think I got it. My favourite part of the summit was the opening ceremony where everybody was dancing with their flags and that brought me joy.

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Youth Connekt: Young people share lessons from the summit