At Kigali, Nigeria commits to youth empowerment across Africa

The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has informed stakeholders across Africa that Nigeria’s active involvement in Youth Connekt Africa signals its commitment to formulating practical solutions to significantly enhance youth empowerment across the continent.

The Minister made this pledge during the Youth Connekt Africa Ministerial Policy Roundtable Discussions on Rural Youth Entrepreneurs’ Access to Finance, initiated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Government of Rwanda.

The summit, focused on the theme “Jobs for Youth through Innovative Skilling,” took place in Kigali, Rwanda.

Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, Olawande revealed that the summit aims to equip African youth with digital skills, foster entrepreneurship, and create employment pathways aligned with market needs to address youth unemployment.

He noted that the initiative will also nurture talent, innovation, and economic opportunities within the continent.

Olawande said that the event is strategically aimed at closing the education-to-employment gap, adding that it seeks to equip African youth with essential tools, resources, and strategic connections to foster long-term career growth, enabling them to excel in the global economy.

“This summit will enhance access to finance for youth-led businesses and support digital skills and technological innovation in job creation through programmes that connect them with market-relevant skills, mentorship, and opportunities in emerging fields like ICT and creative industries,” he stated.