Kenyan President Urges Removal of Barriers to Boost Youth Entrepreneurship in Africa
Kenyan President William Ruto has passionately advocated for the elimination of hindrances impeding the growth of youth-led enterprises in Africa, exacerbating issues of poverty and unemployment.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony for the Youthconnekt Africa summit in Nairobi, Ruto emphasized the critical need to abolish outdated policies and regulations while expediting integration to stimulate the growth of startups owned by the youth.
Ruto stressed, “Governments should simplify business regulations, facilitate access to capital, and promote regional integration to ensure that enterprises led by youth thrive and create opportunities.”
He highlighted that African youth require mentorship, market linkages, and digital skills to unlock their entrepreneurial potential, become self-reliant, and contribute to economic growth.
The 2023 Youthconnekt Africa Summit, hosted by Kenya from December 8 to 12, aims to convene over 20,000 youth, policymakers, industry leaders, and donors to discuss themes such as digitization, green finance, creative industries, borderless commerce, and how to unleash opportunities for the continent’s youth.
Under the theme “Youth Innovating a Borderless African Renaissance,” the five-day summit provides a platform for young people to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for the growth of their businesses.
President Ruto noted that the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will open new opportunities for entrepreneurial youth to address the unemployment crisis.
He emphasized that policy reforms, alongside benchmarking with international best practices, are crucial for unlocking youth-led innovations and revitalizing cross-border enterprise in the continent.
Ruto urged African countries to bridge the digital divide to promote youth involvement in the continent’s growing e-commerce and virtual jobs.
Prime Minister Sam Matekane of Lesotho echoed the sentiments, stating that Africa should leverage its youth bulge to accelerate digitization, promising economic vitality and job creation.
He emphasized that supporting youth-led enterprises will expedite the realization of Africa’s integration agenda while promoting peace, stability, and cohesion.
Source: Xinhua
