Empowering African Youth Entrepreneurship: Kenya’s Call to Action

The Kenyan President, William Ruto, has emphasized the imperative of eliminating barriers that obstruct the advancement of youth-led enterprises in Africa. These obstacles not only hinder economic progress but also exacerbate issues related to poverty and unemployment on the continent.

During his address at the opening ceremony of Youthconnekt Africa in Nairobi, President Ruto underscored the necessity of doing away with outdated policies and regulations, as well as accelerating integration to foster the growth of startups owned by young people. He accentuated the significance of streamlining business regulations, facilitating access to capital, and promoting regional integration to ensure the success and expansion of youth-led enterprises.

Additionally, President Ruto emphasized the importance of mentorship, market linkages, and digital skills to unleash the entrepreneurial potential of African youth, enabling them to become self-reliant contributors to economic development.

The 2023 Youthconnekt Africa Summit, hosted by Kenya from December 8 to 12, is expected to convene over 20,000 young individuals, policymakers, industry leaders, and donors to deliberate on a wide range of topics such as digitization, green finance, creative industry, and borderless commerce. The summit aims to provide a platform for young people to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to expand their businesses.

President Ruto highlighted that the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will create new opportunities for entrepreneurial youth and help address the continent’s unemployment crisis. Furthermore, he emphasized that policy reforms and the adoption of international best practices are critical in unlocking youth-led innovations and revitalizing cross-border enterprise in Africa.

Moreover, President Ruto stressed the importance of bridging the digital divide in Africa to promote youth involvement in the continent’s burgeoning e-commerce and virtual job sectors.

Prime Minister Sam Matekane of Lesotho supported President Ruto’s position, emphasizing the urgency for Africa to leverage its youth population to accelerate digitization, which will in turn promise economic vitality and job creation. He also asserted that supporting youth-led enterprises will not only accelerate the realization of Africa’s integration agenda but also promote peace, stability, and cohesion.

In conclusion, the imperative to dismantle barriers impeding youth entrepreneurship in Africa is pivotal for the economic development and prosperity of the continent. President Ruto’s emphasis on simplifying business regulations, facilitating access to capital, and promoting regional integration, along with the support from Prime Minister Matekane, underscores the importance of empowering the youth and unlocking their potential as entrepreneurs in Africa.