On the evening of Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Lydia Nsekera, the minister in charge of youth, advised young Africans at the close of the second day of the African continental dialogue on the youth, women, peace, and security agenda in Africa. Ms. Nsekera stated that with leaders' support, backing, and encouragement, the future of the continent rests with its youth. She urged participants to depart Bujumbura with renewed purpose, saying in French, "Après ces deux jours d’échanges, il faut que chacun d’entre vous quitte Bujumbura avec une nouvelle vision, un nouvel objectif, pour enfin, aller contribuer à la construction d’une Afrique solide, sûre et prospère." This statement showed her call for participants to leave Bujumbura with a new vision and a new objective to contribute to building a solid, secure, and prosperous Africa. Ms. Nsekera further described young people as true engines for sustainable development and key pillars for implementing the youth, women, peace, and security agenda.
Youth as Development Engines
Lydia Nsekera reminded young people that achieving any goal or obtaining anything requires undertaking effort and working diligently. She emphasized that no one can achieve a goal or obtain anything without this commitment. Ms. Nsekera also urged youth to consider protecting their lives, safeguarding water resources, and contributing to environmental protection and preservation. These calls noted the broader responsibilities she believes young Africans must embrace. Policies discussed during the dialogue aim to transform demographic dividends into economic, social, and political opportunities across the continent. Key policy axes emphasized for young Africans include employment and entrepreneurship, political participation, governance, and the promotion of education and skills. These strategic areas are considered key for harnessing the potential of the continent's youth. Ms. Nsekera reiterated her earlier sentiment in French, "Après ces deux jours d’échanges, il faut que chacun d’entre vous quitte Bujumbura avec une nouvelle vision, un nouvel objectif, pour enfin, aller contribuer à la construction d’une Afrique solide, sûre et prospère."
The African Youth Charter's Role
According to Désiré Manirakiza, national coordinator of Paeej, forty-three states of the African Union adopted the African Youth Charter twenty years ago. The African Youth Charter stands as the sole legally binding continental instrument exclusively dedicated to the rights, participation, and development of young Africans. Mr. Manirakiza stated that the primary challenge has shifted from the Charter's adoption to its effective implementation. He emphasized that the next two decades must prioritize implementation, accountability, and demonstrable impact through improved youth governance. The AU Charter has inspired the development of national policies for youth and facilitated the establishment of dedicated ministries, departments, and councils focused on youth affairs. The Charter has strengthened institutional coordination, elevating youth-related issues to a central position within the priorities of the African Union, regional economic communities, and national governments. This foundational document has thus played a significant role in shaping youth development frameworks across Africa.
Moving From Commitment to Impact
Leaders pledged to consistently support young people in all their initiatives, promising to remain by their side to accompany and support them. Regional strategies are also being developed, focusing on education, employability, and co-leadership, complementing the framework provided by the African Youth Charter. These strategies aim to provide practical pathways for youth development alongside the continental charter. The continent now has a distinctive opportunity to transition from making commitments to achieving concrete implementation. This push extends further, aiming to move from implementation to delivering measurable impact for its youth, ensuring that policies translate into tangible improvements in their lives. Africa is poised to leverage this unique moment to translate its youth-focused agenda into real, quantifiable progress.