Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has called on African leaders to recognise the continent’s youth as a driving force for innovation and global competitiveness, rather than viewing them as a burden.
Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the launch of the report ‘Advancing Inclusive Development: Policy Options for Burkina Faso, Guinea, Gabon, Mali, and Niger,’ Jonathan emphasised the need for strategic investments in education, digital infrastructure, and skills development to unlock Africa’s full potential.
The report, a collaboration between the African Union Commission, the UNDP’s Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT), and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), addresses governance, economic stability, and development challenges across the continent.
“Africa’s demographic advantage must be seen as a strategic asset. We must invest in our youth, not just for their future, but for the future of our economies, our governance, and our place in the world,” Jonathan said.
He stressed that Africa, despite being the world’s youngest continent and an emerging economic powerhouse, continues to grapple with governance deficits, political instability, and economic fragility.
He urged leaders to prioritize inclusion, economic empowerment, and institutional legitimacy to foster long-term stability and growth.
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Jonathan also called for a reimagined approach to security, arguing that development and stability must go hand in hand.
He emphasised that conflict cannot be addressed solely through military interventions but requires tackling underlying issues such as poverty, marginalization, and weak governance.
As Africa’s largest economy, Jonathan said Nigeria has a responsibility to lead by example, championing regional cooperation and economic integration through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with ECOWAS, the African Union, and global partners to promote peace and democracy.
“A united Africa is a stronger Africa—one that trades within itself, builds resilient supply chains and creates African solutions for African challenges,” he said.
The former Nigerian leader urged African nations to embrace the recommendations of the newly launched report and strengthen regional cooperation to address shared challenges, ensuring a stable and prosperous future for the continent.
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