African Union Development Agency-NEPAD launches Energize Africa.

The African Union Development Agency-NEPAD in partnership with Afreximbank, co-launched the AUDA-NEPAD Energize Africa initiative on the margins of the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Energize Africa initiative recognises that Africa's youth and women - making up more than half of the continent's populations - must be at the core of Africa's economic growth and inclusive development strategies.

'The Energize Africa initiative is about harnessing youths' creativity and skills into the continent's economic growth and development, whilst expanding income opportunities for the youth - through creation of jobs, innovation, and entrepreneurship,' said Ms. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, the AUDA-NEPAD Chief Executive Officer.

Energize Africa's focus is on young professionals to enhance public sector efficiency; stimulate solution-focused research and development, through innovation hubs, and; Entrepreneurship opportunities for Africa's youthful populations for improved socio-economic well-being.

Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah, President and Chairman of Board of Directors, Afreximbank remarked that, 'The Energize Africa collaboration is a demonstration of the partnership with AUDA-NEPAD towards ensuring that youth are at the core of our development. The youth are indeed the leaders of tomorrow.'

Recognising that the continent with the highest percentage of entrepreneurs among working-age adults is Africa, AUDA-NEPAD has designed the Energize Africa initiative as a continental platform of youth professionals, institutions, and facilities to strengthen innovative solutions, skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship.

'If we do not harness the youth dividend, it will remain a "potential." Energize Africa is an opportunity to invest in the future of Africa," Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission said during the high-level opening session of the launch event.

'My presence here today is meant to signal the political commitment of the African Union Commission to ensure we see change on the issue of youth employment in Africa, within the context of Agenda 2063,' Dr. Nsanzabaganwa added.

Several messages of support from Energize Africa patrons and champions were delivered during the launch.

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