The World Youth Festival (WYF) is one of the opportunities that will strengthen relations between Russia and African countries, Emma Kantema-Gaomas, Namibia's Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service, told Sputnik Africa, adding that last year's Russia-Africa Summit gave an impetus to hosting this youth event.
The Namibian official highlighted the crucial role of young people in shaping the future of Africa, and emphasized the need for targeted interventions that empower them to drive the African continent's development.
"Africa is one of the youngest continents. We have around 60 percent, or over 60 percent, are young people. So it's very critical that we invest in the young people because they will ultimately be the ones to shape and direct the development of the continent," she said.
Kantema-Gaomas added, "As policymakers, we have targeted intervention that empowers the young people so that they become firstly productive and able to contribute, able to drive the economy of the continent."
The World Youth Festival in Russia also serves as a platform for fostering partnerships and creating networks that can enhance economic collaboration between nations, the deputy national service minister said.
By encouraging young people to engage with policymakers, attend sessions, and interact with peers from different countries, the festival provides a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange and skill-building, which are essential to creating a new generation of empowered and productive citizens, Kantema-Gaomas expalined.
"I really edge the young people to participate in the sessions because it's a fun, full-packed program," she stated.
Looking ahead, Kantema-Gaomas shared her vision for Africa's role in the international community, emphasizing the need to move beyond mere resource exportation towards value addition and industrialization.
"Africa is endowed with natural resources, and if we can add value, if we can process, we are able to create more employment. Because one of the biggest challenges that we are faced with is youth unemployment. And for us, we can only address that youth unemployment if we create [...] opportunities," the Namibian official said.
When asked about how Russia could support African countries in this endeavor, Kantema-Gaomas highlighted the outcomes of the Africa-Russia Summit held last year. By translating the resolutions into tangible actions and meaningful partnerships, Russia can play an important role in strengthening collaboration with African nations, she said.
"And we are really grateful for the assistance in the support we are receiving from Russia," she concluded.