Thousands of young innovators and leaders from across the world will attend the fifth edition of the YouthConnekt Africa Summit, due to take place in Kigali next month. The continental summit, organised by the YouthConnekt Africa Hub, the government of Rwanda and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is an annual event that draws policymakers, business leaders, development partners, and the civil society, to address issues affecting young people, involving them in the solution-building process. This year’s summit will be held under the theme “Accelerating Investments in Youth: Resilient Youth, Resilient Africa,” and will draw 10,000 innovators, champions and leaders from Africa and beyond, the organisers announced on Thursday, September 1. Due to be held from October 13-15, the summit will discuss youth contribution to climate action, peace and security, the digital economy, agriculture and food systems, among other issues. Rwanda last hosted the summit in 2019. As she announced the summit, Rosemary Mbabazi, the Minister of Youth and Culture, said the participants will discuss the issues shaping the world today. “The YouthConnekt Africa Summit provides a platform where youth can meet with their African peers, exchange knowledge, and foster new ways of collaboration...at a time when the world seeks solutions to recover from the global crisis that has affected us over the past three years,” Mbabazi said. “The Government of Rwanda recognises the central and transformative role the youth can play in our economic recovery not only as a major contributor to the economic workforce, but as a source of innovative solutions as the world becomes more connected.” Oulie Keita, the Executive Director at the Kigali-based YouthConnekt Africa Hub, said, “We’re thrilled to be coming back to Kigali to host the 5th edition of this continental and powerful platform for youth and leaders across Africa.” The wide range of themes this year positions Africa’s youth as innovators and champions of climate resilience, peace and security in the cultural and creative industry, manufacturing, trade, and agriculture and food systems, Keita said. Initiated by President Paul Kagame in 2012, the YouthConnekt Africa has been embraced continent-wide, with presence in 28 countries currently.
