The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, has called for the active involvement of Africa’s youth in strategic economic planning, particularly in the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).
Speaking at the 2025 African Ministers of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Conference in Addis Ababa, Ayariga emphasized that the exclusion of young people in policy formulation is a major challenge hindering the continent’s progress.
“Africa’s greatest problem has been that we keep planning for the future generation without involving the younger generation,” he stated. “It is incumbent and important that we include the youth in whatever strategic planning we are doing.”
Mr. Ayariga pointed out that young people constitute a significant portion of Africa’s population, making their participation in economic development crucial.
He highlighted key sectors such as agriculture and financial technology (fintech) as areas where young entrepreneurs are making significant strides.
“The next great thing to happen to the continent of Africa is either in agriculture or fintech,” he noted. “You will see many young people going into agriculture, and it is crucial that they are included in AFCFTA’s strategic planning to ensure seamless cross-border trade.”
The CEO stressed that AFCFTA must create a conducive and accessible trading environment for young business owners and startups, allowing them to expand their operations beyond national borders without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
“For us, it is imperative that every time we have such strategic meetings, we offer strategic partnerships,” Ayariga said. “It is not enough for ministers alone to discuss policies that will ultimately affect young people. We need to involve as many young people as possible, as they are the key drivers of Africa’s economic future.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Abdulai Ayariga, reinforced the urgency for policymakers to embrace a more inclusive approach, ensuring that Africa’s youth are not just beneficiaries of economic policies but active contributors to the continent’s growth and development.
Story by Freedom Lavoe.
