Why Canada and the World Must Invest in the Success of Young Africans: Reflections on PM Trudeau’s Call for Global Responsibility
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently made a profound statement that reverberates across continents: “It’s the responsibility of Canadians and everyone around the world to ensure that young Africans are successful.” This call to action by Trudeau isn’t just a diplomatic sentiment; it’s a challenge for global leaders and communities to recognize Africa’s youth as essential to our collective future. It’s a reminder that supporting African youth is not just an African issue—it’s a global one.
Africa is the world’s youngest continent, with around 60% of its population under the age of 25. This remarkable demographic represents potential that could reshape Africa and the world for the better if properly nurtured. Trudeau’s statement resonates deeply with many global thought leaders who have emphasized the importance of investing in African youth.
INFLUENTIAL VOICES SUPPORTING AFRICA’S YOUTH NIGERIAN ENTREPRENEUR TONY ELUMELU
Philanthropist and business leader Tony Elumelu, through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, has championed Africa’s young entrepreneurs. His foundation has empowered over 15,000 African entrepreneurs with seed capital, mentorship, and business training. Elumelu’s vision aligns with Trudeau’s message—he believes in an “African-led development” model where youth have the tools to drive economic transformation. Elumelu’s approach proves that investing in Africa’s young minds leads to impactful innovation and sustainable business models.
Dr. AKINWUMI ADESINA, PRESIDENT OF THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
Dr. Adesina has repeatedly stressed that Africa’s youth are a key resource for the continent’s economic progress. Under his leadership, the AfDB launched programs like the Jobs for Youth in Africa initiative, aiming to create 25 million jobs for young Africans by 2025. This initiative focuses on providing education, training, and access to finance, ensuring young people have the skills and resources to thrive. Adesina’s vision reflects the urgency in Trudeau’s statement: empowering African youth today means securing a prosperous, resilient Africa tomorrow.
UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES
António Guterres has highlighted Africa’s youth in many of his speeches, calling them “agents of change.” In his commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, he emphasizes the importance of education and employment for young Africans, ensuring they can actively participate in the global economy. His support for youth-led initiatives and youth-inclusive policies demonstrates his understanding of the pivotal role African youth will play in shaping a more equitable global society.
CANADA’S ROLE IN SUPPORTING AFRICA’S YOUTH
Canada’s commitment to Africa’s development is evident in several initiatives that directly benefit young people across the continent. Through Global Affairs Canada and international development programs, Canada has funded projects that support education, vocational training, and skills development in African countries. Programs like Canada’s International Assistance Program have specifically focused on empowering women and youth, equipping them to build sustainable futures.For example, Canada’s support for the Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT), a global nonprofit that works in several African countries, provides young people with digital literacy, entrepreneurship skills, and mentorship. DOT’s impact has enabled thousands of young Africans to become job creators in their communities, furthering the vision that Trudeau advocated for.
WHY THE WORLD MUST EMBRACE THIS RESPONSIBILITY
Africa’s youth are not only the future of their continent but also key players in the future of the global economy, innovation, and leadership. As Prime Minister Trudeau suggested, it is a shared responsibility to invest in their success. The alternative is a missed opportunity that the world cannot afford.
INVESTING IN AFRICAN YOUTH BRINGS GLOBAL BENEFITS:
ECONOMIC GROWTH:
A prosperous African continent brings new markets, trade opportunities, and collaborative innovations that benefit economies worldwide.
GLOBAL INNOVATION:
Young Africans have already pioneered transformative innovations in mobile finance, agritech, and social entrepreneurship that benefit people beyond Africa’s borders.
RESILIENCE AND STABILITY:
Supporting Africa’s youth also means supporting stability. When young people have opportunities, societies become more resilient, democratic, and peaceful.
Trudeau’s call is a powerful reminder that global success is interdependent. As the Afro Diaspora Pulse community, we recognize our collective responsibility to highlight, support, and advocate for initiatives that uplift African youth. The future is African, and the world has every reason to invest in the people who will define it.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT TO EMPOWER AFRICA’S YOUTH
The future of Africa’s youth is our shared responsibility. Prime Minister Trudeau’s message is a call for action—and each of us can play a part. Whether by supporting African-led businesses, advocating for policies that prioritize African youth, or simply spreading awareness, your voice matters.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT:
SHARE THIS ARTICLE with friends, family, and networks to amplify the importance of Africa’s youth on the global stage.
SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS like the Tony Elumelu Foundation, African Development Bank, and Digital Opportunity Trust that are investing in young Africans’ education and entrepreneurship.
GET INVOLVED IN DIASPORA INITIATIVES through Afro Diaspora Pulse by participating in our upcoming discussions, sharing your thoughts, and contributing ideas on how we can further uplift African youth.Together, we can ensure that Africa’s young leaders have the support they need to create a better world for all of us. Join us in being part of this powerful movement!
