Africa's Youth Engine of Power and Prospect, Not Burden, Says DPM Temesgen

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2025 (ENA)—Africa youth are not burden rather they represent the power and promise of the continent, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh stated.

 The 3rd Africa Job Creation Forum is taking place in Addis Ababa under the theme "Advancing Job Creation and Economic Resilience through Regional Integration, Digital and Financial Inclusion along Agricultural Value Chains in the AfCFTA Market."

 In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen emphasized job creation, creating economic resilience, and strengthening Pan-African unity, noting that Africa's youth are a source of strength and promise.

"Our youth are not a burden but power and promise", and Ethiopia stands ready to fulfill its obligations through Pan-African unity and the AfCFTA, which will drive immediate trade, industry, and job growth, he noted.

In the face of rapid global change such as climate, conflict and technology, Africa must strengthen its own resolve, he added.

In this regard, Ethiopia is reforming its economy, investing in people, and building climate resilience, the deputy prime minister said, adding the Homegrown Reform Agenda and Ten-Year Plan provide blueprints for inclusive growth.

Temesgen also said the nation is modernizing agriculture, implementing Integrated Agro-Industrial Parks, and leading initiatives like the Green Legacy, which has planted billions of trees, creating green jobs and restoring ecosystems.

Ethiopia is also embracing clean energy and digital transformation, connecting farmers to markets and enhancing economic inclusivity, recognizing the need for robust infrastructure, including digital systems, and investing in skills to empower the workforce, he elaborated.

Emphasizing the importance of skills development, he underscored that Africa must lead its future with its own growth, ensuring the dignity of the youth and peace through job creation and economic integration.

Labor and Skills Minister, Muferihat Kamil on her part highlighted that the ministry's commitment to job creation is central to the national development strategy, intended to generate million of jobs annually through coordinated efforts across sectors.

She added that the ministry is working to create an integrated ecosystem that mobilizes the private sector, aligned with development partners.

Muferihat also emphasized the urgency of collaboration among Africans and development partners to produce tangible outcomes that reflect the needs of grassroots entrepreneurs and young Africans.

The minister underscored Ethiopia's dedication to contributing to regional efforts for a resilient Africa future with a driving transformation across value chains. 

Africa Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf on his part commended the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for transforming Ethiopia into an emerging economy, focusing on job creation and economic resilience.

The Chairperson emphasized the pressing need for job creation and economic integration across Africa, noting that agriculture remains a crucial sector and existing agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area needs to be implemented effectively.

Moreover, the private sector needs to be encouraged to engage in trade and adopt innovative models to address the challenges in digital commerce, Youssouf added.

The chairperson also stated Africa needs sustained investments to eradicate poverty and empower the new generation with digital skills and entrepreneurial spirit, he stated, appreciating Ethiopia's remarkable transformation, particularly in agriculture, with advancements in crop production.