African youths have been encouraged to play a leading role in advancing the continent’s economic growth, innovation and sustainable development as stakeholders gathered in Abuja to commemorate the 2026 Africa Day celebration.
The charge was given at the Africa Day Conference and Symposium organised by the Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission, where policymakers, development experts and youth representatives assessed Africa’s progress towards achieving the Agenda 2063 goals.
The symposium marked the climax of a three-day Africa Day celebration held annually on May 25 to commemorate the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.
Speaking on the theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” participants highlighted the importance of infrastructure development and youth empowerment in driving Africa’s long-term prosperity.
Chairman of the Pan-African Continental Super-Marketplace, Dr Patrick Sule Ogboma, said the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area depended largely on the active participation of young Africans in trade, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He noted that the Pan-African Continental Super-Marketplace was established to digitally connect businesses, farmers, innovators, investors and consumers across Africa, with the aim of promoting intra-African trade and industrial growth.
Ogboma urged African youths to embrace the platform as a tool for creativity, enterprise and economic expansion, stressing that young people are already shaping the future of the continent.
He also called for stronger collaboration among African nations and institutions to support home-grown solutions and sustainable development initiatives.
Also speaking, President of the Pan-African AU Agenda 2063 Diplomatic Mission and Managing Director of PAC-SM, Stephen Gbatigbi Ben-Joel, urged youths to believe in their ability to transform Africa through innovation and resilience.
Ben-Joel said Africa had demonstrated strength in overcoming economic and social challenges and should reduce dependence on foreign aid by investing in local industries, technology and entrepreneurship.
He further advocated increased support for waste-to-wealth initiatives, digital innovation and youth-led enterprises as pathways to economic transformation.
The symposium featured discussions on sustainable water management, sanitation systems, digital trade and continental integration, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to expanding youth participation in Africa’s development agenda.