African Union Commission launches ‘1 Million Next Level’ initiative to empower youth

The African Union Commission has embarked on an expansive endeavour to empower 300 million African youth through a comprehensive initiative.

This initiative was launched in Ghana to capitalize on the ongoing African Games at the Youth Pavilion, a project of the African Union Commission in partnership with UN-Habitat, UNFPA-Ghana, and IOM Ghana.

The African Union’s youth pavilion was opened by Youth and Sports Minister of Ghana, Mustapha Ussif. Also in attendance was HRH Prince Fahad Bin Jalawi Al Saud, who is the Olympic and Paralympics President in Saudi Arabia, among other key stakeholders.

Named “1 Million Next Level,” this initiative was introduced during the inauguration of the Youth Pavilion at the University of Ghana on Monday, March 11. Prudence Ngwenya, Director of the Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate at the AUC, emphasized its purpose beyond mere participation in activities, aiming to enrich young individuals with essential skills and knowledge on various fronts.

Under the leadership of AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamaf, the initiative, dubbed “4Es H,” encompasses education, employment, entrepreneurship, engagement, health, and wellbeing, aiming to offer tangible opportunities to the continent’s youth.

Ngwenya outlined the plan’s rollout across all AU member states until 2030, fostering development and capacity-building initiatives.

Support from partner organizations such as UNFPA and IOM further enhances implementation efforts, including capacity-building programs at the Youth Pavilion.

Despite acknowledging the pervasive challenge of youth unemployment across Africa and globally, Ngwenya stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, involving governments, the private sector, and other entities alongside the African Union Commission.

Mustapha Ussif, Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports, echoed the initiative’s significance in alignment with President Akufo-Addo’s vision, underscoring its goal to equip Africa’s youth with the skills and opportunities vital for meaningful employment and driving the continent’s progress.

This initiative is a pivotal step toward realizing the AU’s broader vision of nurturing the next generation of African leaders.

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