SEVILLE, Spain – Liberia Ambassador to France and Portugal says Africa’s youth—representing the world’s fastest-growing and youngest inhabitants—are usually not a problem to be managed, however an asset to be empowered.
Ambassador Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr., made the feedback when he served as honorary Visitor Speaker on the United Nations’ Fourth Financing for Improvement (FFD4) Aspect Occasion held in Seville, Spain.
“Our youth are usually not only a statistic; they’re the leaders, creators, and innovators of at present,” Ambassador Yorlay mentioned. “From agriculture and know-how to peacebuilding and entrepreneurship, younger individuals are already driving change. It’s time for us to equip them not solely with sources but additionally with insurance policies and programs that permit them to thrive.”
Themed “Youth-Pushed Capital: Unlocking Revolutionary Financing for Africa’s Inexperienced and Digital Future”, the discussion board introduced collectively youth leaders, policymakers, growth companions, and international advocates to discover the function of Africa’s youth in driving sustainable growth and transformation.
Citing knowledge that greater than 70% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s inhabitants is below the age of 30, Ambassador Yorlay underscored the urgency of investing in youth-led innovation. He recognized key obstacles younger folks face—together with restricted entry to finance, excessive unemployment, the digital divide, and the local weather disaster—and referred to as for daring coverage reforms and focused investments to unlock their full potential.
Drawing from his expertise because the First Deputy Speaker of the Mano River Union Youth Parliament in Liberia, Ambassador Yorlay shared how, below his management, the Parliament expanded from simply 4 members to 30 vibrant representatives throughout all 15 political subdivisions of Liberia. He additionally mirrored on his work within the Democratic Republic of Congo, the place he supported youth-led peacebuilding initiatives aimed toward strengthening civic engagement and social cohesion in post-conflict communities.
Ambassador Yorlay highlighted the strategic significance of investing in sectors resembling sustainable agriculture, renewable vitality, and digital literacy to drive Africa’s inexperienced and digital transitions. He urged stakeholders to prioritize inclusive financing, mentorship, and coaching applications—notably for younger entrepreneurs in rural and underserved areas.
“The financing hole for reaching the Sustainable Improvement Targets (SDGs) is projected to succeed in $6.4 trillion by 2030,” he famous. “We can not afford to go away Africa’s youth out of those crucial efforts. It is a name to motion for governments, companies, and worldwide companions to middle youth in growth financing.”
He expressed robust assist for the African Union’s proposed Decade of Accelerated Motion (2025–2035), aimed toward boosting expertise growth, innovation, and youth inclusion throughout the continent. Ambassador Yorlay additionally referred to as for reforms to coverage frameworks to make them extra aware of youth-led initiatives, particularly these addressing local weather change and technological development.
“We should redefine capital,” he concluded. “It’s not nearly cash—it’s about belief, alternative, and the idea that Africa’s youth can and can form the long run.”
Ambassador Yorlay’s remarks align with the targets of the Youth Financing Framework and the Sevilla Accord on Youth Financing for Improvement, each of which purpose to mobilize sources and assist for youth-led tasks throughout Africa. He urged the African Union and its companions to make sure these frameworks evolve into concrete, sustainable insurance policies with long-term impression.
He ended his tackle with an empowering message to younger folks: “You aren’t ready to turn into leaders—you already are. As you cleared the path, we should guarantee you might have the instruments, sources, and assist to succeed. The longer term is already right here, and it’s inexperienced, digital, and in your fingers.”
