Some stakeholders across Africa have called for investment in African youth to enhance future security.
They made the call on Wednesday during a webinar organised by the Planet, People and Peace Foundation (PPPF), a non-governmental organisation, to mark the 2026 International Youth Day (IYD).
According to them, there is a need to invest in, listen to and create opportunities for young African people.
The 2026 theme of the IYD is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
Miss Bisi Kumuyi, Secretary of the Climate Beyond Border Caravan (CBBC), Nigeria, who canvassed for investment in youth, said the future of Africa would be determined by the opportunities the continent creates for its young people today.
The CBBC, an initiative of PPPF, is a pan-African, youth-led campaign promoting climate action, cross-border cooperation and green economic transformation across the continent.
“As Africa joins the rest of the world to commemorate International Youth Day on Aug. 12, 2026, we celebrate the energy, creativity, resilience and determination of young Africans who continue to shape the continent’s present and future.
“This year’s theme reminds us that young people across Africa live in different social, economic and cultural circumstances.
“They share common aspirations: access to quality education, decent employment, innovation, peace, inclusion, environmental sustainability and opportunities to fulfil their potential,” she said.
Also speaking, Mrs Nouran Farouk, an Egyptian climate activist, called for urgent investment in Africa’s youth.
According to her, Africa is the world’s youngest continent, and its youthful population represents one of its greatest assets.
She added that voices from different realities could amplify youth perspectives for a sustainable future.
“People from different backgrounds can bring their experience into global conversation and decision-making.
“However, young people must not only be viewed as leaders of tomorrow but also as partners, innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates and decision-makers today.”
Mr Eric Moyo, Director of the Community Climate Action Trust, a non-governmental organisation in Zimbabwe, explained why investing in African youth was non-negotiable.
According to him, governments, development organisations, private institutions and communities must create an enabling environment where young people can acquire relevant skills and access opportunities.
Moyo said young people ought to be encouraged to participate meaningfully in governance and contribute to solving Africa’s most pressing challenges.
He noted that there was a significant relationship between climate challenges, community cooperation, peace-building and collective action.
On her part, the programme moderator of CBBC in Kenya, Miss Mariam Abdirashid, stressed the need for Africa to advance youth-led initiatives, innovation, entrepreneurship, partnerships and the turning of ideas into practical community action.
Meanwhile, the CBBC Lead, Mr Francisco Olatunji, said the foundation had been intensifying efforts to engage young people across Africa in mitigation and adaptation strategies for global change through its CBBC2026 initiative.
“We are using almost all media channels to educate and inform African youths on climate solutions and opportunities,” he added.
