Get Guardian on Google
The Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN) has announced its inaugural Pan-African Legacy Conference, an initiative aimed at uniting stakeholders to establish a sustainable development framework for Africa, with a focus on its vibrant youth population.
Themed “Shaping Africa’s Future through the AfCFTA and Agenda 2063” and scheduled for November 21-22 in Abuja, the event commemorates MWFAAN’s 10th anniversary and will provide a platform for advancing Africa’s socio-economic progress.
At a press briefing, MWFAAN President Farida Yahya outlined three central goals of the conference. First, she emphasized the importance of creating a development blueprint, reflecting on the Fellowship’s achievements over the past decade and envisioning the next 10 years of Africa’s economic growth.
The second goal, Yahya noted, is to facilitate a productive dialogue with policymakers, fostering closer connections between young entrepreneurs and decision-makers to bridge the gap between the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and youth-driven enterprises.
“The third goal is to promote the Helix Model of Development, which involves uniting government entities, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders to build a cohesive framework for sustainable development,” she added.
The event will feature a pitch competition to spotlight innovative ideas from young Africans, a city tour for international delegates, a high-level panel discussion, and the unveiling of an app that will enable young entrepreneurs to trade goods and services across Africa and with U.S. partners.
Others are specialized workshops on open governance, press freedom, healthcare, youth and trade, entrepreneurship, and women’s development, as well as a Hall of Fame induction ceremony recognizing 100 young African change-makers.
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to flag off the conference, while Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will deliver the keynote address. Youth Ministers from Ghana and Morocco, along with parliamentarians and delegates from over 25 African nations, will attend.
