The African Imperative: Why Youth Innovation and AfCFTA Will Shape the 21st Century скачать в хорошем качестве

The African Imperative: Why Youth Innovation and AfCFTA Will Shape the 21st Century

Closing Plenary | NextGen Africa: Africa’s Strategic Imperative In a rapidly shifting, heterarchical world order, Africa must strategically balance security and development by leveraging its greatest asset – its youth. With over 60 percent of its population under 25, the continent has a unique opportunity to turn its demographic potential into a powerful driver of stability and growth. The continent’s recent inclusion in the G20 and growing calls for seats in the UN Security Council reflect its rising diplomatic weight. To sustain this momentum, African nations must develop coherent foreign policies, deepen intra-continental cooperation through various mechanisms such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and most importantly, promote youth-led innovation and peacebuilding. Empowering the next generation is essential for Africa to shape, not just navigate, the 21st-century global order. How can African states harness their youthful population effectively to drive security and sustainable development in a rapidly evolving global order? What strategies are needed to strengthen Africa’s agency and coherence in global governance forums such as the G20 and UN, while advancing regional cooperation through mechanisms like the AfCFTA? How can Africa leverage its demographic advantage to enhance its influence in a heterarchical world, while reducing dependency on external powers? Speakers Kayode Fayemi, Visiting Professor at the African Leadership Centre, King’s College, United Kingdom Philani Mthembu, Executive Director, Institute for Global Dialogue, South Africa Priscilla Gatonye, Programme Officer, UNESCO-UNEVOC Del Titus, Founder, Web3 Africa Group, Ghana Moderator Sunaina Kumar, Director and Senior Fellow, Centre for New Economic Diplomacy, Observer Research Foundation, India #capetownconversation #globalsouth #india