Africa’s digital economy has been projected to reach $75 billion by 2025, with artificial intelligence (AI), expected to contribute at least $1.2 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030. This was made known by the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete, at a session of the Summit of the Future, themed: “Transforming Africa with Youth-Driven Solutions.”

Speaking on the transformative power of digitalisation, he said unlocking these opportunities, however, requires significant investments and called for concerted efforts to unlock the potential of Africa’s youth for sustainable growth.

Adding that Africa must seize the opportunities presented by the Global Digital Compact, he emphasised the urgent need to bridge Africa’s digital divide.

“Currently, only 37 per cent of the continent’s population has access to the Internet, with the gap disproportionately affecting women. Our youths are not just the future, they are the present driving force of our continent and they must have a decisive role in shaping our pact for the future,” he said.

Speaking on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a major driver of economic growth and youth empowerment, he stressed the importance of leveraging Africa’s comparative advantages across sectors like agriculture, manufacturing and services to create regional value chains. He said the unprecedented opportunities in regional integration, digitalisation and green energy development cannot be overemphasised, pointing to the AfCFTA as a catalyst for job creation and economic transformation.

On education, he urged governments and policymakers to prioritise investments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and vocational training, saying investments in these sectors are non-negotiable for building the productive capabilities of young people and ensuring the competitiveness of our countries.

He further stated that equipping youths with the right skills is essential to ensuring they thrive in the modern workforce.

With Africa expected to account for 42 per cent of the global youth population by 2030, he highlighted that the continent’s success, and that of the world, is deeply intertwined with the contributions of its young people.

Despite this demographic advantage, he acknowledged the significant challenges facing Africa, particularly in accessing employment opportunities. He pointed to high unemployment rates, an education system misaligned with labour market needs and insufficient investment in skills development; adding that without urgent investments in education, skills development and digital capabilities, Africa will struggle to reach its full potential.

While celebrating the resilience and innovation of Africa’s youth, he cautioned that inaction could undermine their potential. “It would be unforgivable if they are shortchanged because of the actions we fail to take today,” reiterating ECA’s commitment to supporting Africa’s youths in the pursuit of socio-economic progress. Together, we can shape a future where African youth lead the continent towards a better, more equitable world. We must lead the charge, drive innovation, accountability, and sustainable progress for the continent and beyond,” he said.