Youth Empowerment Central to AfCFTA and Agenda 2063, Says VP Shettima

Nancy Okafor

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the essential role of African youth in driving the continent's development goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063. Speaking at the 10th Anniversary Legacy Conference of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN), Shettima emphasized that youth empowerment is a non-negotiable aspect of Africa's journey toward sustainable development.

Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Shettima commended MWFAAN for its efforts in fostering youth leadership, innovation, and collaboration. He stressed that no nation can thrive without investing in its young population, which he described as "the vehicles for our development projections and the link between current policies and future prosperity."

"This understanding informs our agenda to not only bring the youth closer but also ensure they have a seat at every table where decisions shaping this nation are made," Shettima said. He linked youth empowerment to the broader aspirations of Agenda 2063, Africa's strategic framework for socio-economic transformation.

The conference, held to mark a decade of the Mandela Washington Fellowship in Nigeria, also featured remarks from U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard M. Mills, Jr., represented by Deputy Chief of Mission David Greene. Greene praised the program's impact, noting the achievements of over 6,000 fellows across Africa, including 600 from Nigeria.

Two prominent alumni, Toyosi Ogunse and Mohammed Ibrahim, were highlighted for their significant contributions to leadership and community development. Greene reaffirmed the U.S. Embassy's commitment to supporting young African leaders, encouraging them to continue driving societal transformation.

MWFAAN President Farida Yahya outlined the association's mission to empower young African leaders, foster leadership skills, and promote sustainable economic growth across the continent.

One of the conference's high points was the unveiling of the Ubuntu Trade App, a digital platform enabling Mandela Washington Fellows to network and trade across Africa and with U.S. partners.

The conference featured workshops on governance, press freedom, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and women's development. Discussions highlighted the importance of youth involvement in shaping Africa's narrative and tackling pressing challenges like healthcare quality and gender inequality.

Shettima called for more actionable partnerships to position Africa as a global leader in trade, technology, and sustainable development. "The active involvement of our youth is not optional; it is essential for achieving the lofty goals we have set locally and globally," he asserted.