African youth, who make up 60% of the continent's population, must be empowered to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to address various challenges faced by the continent, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Executive Secretary Claver Gatete reportedly stated.
"We are in a situation where we are facing very serious challenges, and these challenges will continue and will be carried forward by you as young people. That is why empowering the young people becomes very important," media quoted Gatete as saying.
The UN official emphasized the AfCFTA's crucial role in creating economic opportunities and boosting job creation, encouraging African youth to seize the potential offered by the expanding intra-African trade facilitated by the agreement.
"We are facing big challenges, where poverty levels are still very high as 476 million Africans are poor, 600 million Africans do not have electricity, and only 37% of Africans have access to the internet. This is not a good situation," the UNECA chief noted.
Meanwhile, Ethiopian State Minister for Youth Affairs Muna Ahmed reportedly highlighted the importance of prioritizing the aspirations and challenges of Africa's youth in the implementation of the AfCFTA.
"The AfCFTA presents a historic opportunity to unlock the immense potential of Africa's young people by expanding access to markets, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable employment opportunities," the state minister said.