By Gabriel Agbeja
Some stakeholders across Africa have called for investment in African youth to enhance future security.
They made the call on Wednesday during a webinar organised by Planet, People and Peace Foundation (PPPF), a non-governmental organisation, to observe 2026 International Youth Day (IYD).
According to them, there is a need to invest, listen and create opportunities for young African people.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2026 theme of the IYD is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations’’.
Miss Bisi Kumuyi, the Secretary, Climate Beyond Border Caravan (CBBC), Nigeria, who canvassed for investment in youth, said the future of Africa would be determined by the opportunities the continent created for its young people today.
The CBBC, an initiative of PPPF, is a pan-African, youth-led campaign promoting climate action, cross-border cooperation and green economic transformation across the continent.
‘‘As Africa joins the rest of the world to commemorate International Youth Day on Aug. 12, 2026, we celebrate the energy, creativity, resilience and determination of young Africans who continue to shape the continent’s present and future.
‘‘This year’s theme reminds us that young people across Africa live in different social, economic and cultural circumstances.
‘‘They share common aspirations: access to quality education, decent employment, innovation, peace, inclusion, environmental sustainability and opportunities to fulfil their potential,’’ she said.
Also speaking, Mrs Nouran Farouk, an Egyptian Climate Activist, called for urgent investment in Africa’s youth.
According to her, Africa is the world’s youngest continent, and its youthful population represented one of its greatest assets.
She added that the voice from different realities could amplify youth perspectives for a sustainable future.
‘‘People from different backgrounds can bring their experience into global conversation and decision-making.
‘‘However, young people must not only be viewed as leaders of tomorrow but also partners, innovators, entrepreneurs, advocates and decision-makers today.’’
Mr Eric Moyo, the Director of Community Climate Action Trust, a non-governmental organisation in Zimbabwe, explained why investing in African youth was non-negotiable.
According to him, governments, developmental organisations, private institutions and communities must, therefore, create an enabling environment where young people can acquire relevant skills and access opportunities.
Moyo said young people ought to be encouraged to participate meaningfully in governance and contribute to solving Africa’s most pressing challenges.
He said that there was a significant relationship between climate challenge, community cooperation, peace-building, and collective actions.
On her part, the programme moderator of CBBC in Kenya, Miss Mariam Abdirashid, stressed the need for Africa to advance youth-led initiatives, innovation, entrepreneurship, partnership, and turning ideas into practical community action.
Meanwhile, the CBBC Lead, Mr Francisco Olatunji, said the foundation had been intensifying efforts to engage young people across Africa in mitigation and adaptation strategies for global change through its initiative CBBC2026.
‘‘We are using almost all media channels to educate and inform African youths on climate solutions and opportunities,’’ he added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi