As someone who lives and works in Africa, I see first-hand the harsh impact of youth joblessness, and as Africans and global leaders, we must work together to address this issue.
Yesterday, at the #UNGA77 was a busy and productive one – The Tony Elumelu Foundation, signed a partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) to support youth entrepreneurship in Africa, with a focus on historically underinvested areas within African frontiers. This partnership will further aid TEF’s efforts in empowering African youth.
I also delivered the keynote speech at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Friends of Africa Continental Free Trade Area. I spoke on ways the AfCFTA can enhance US-Africa trade and how UBA Group is well positioned to facilitate intra-African trade with our presence in 20 African countries.
I had other events and engagements – I hosted meetings with United Nations Head of Agencies, including my good friend, Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme – UNDP, and long-term TEF partner, Sam Powers, Administrator of USAID – US Agency for International Development, the world’s most influential development agency, to advance our partnership for young Africans with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, as well as Kevin Frey, CEO of UNICEF Gen U, and my long-time friend, Geoffrey Kirkman, Former Harvard Kennedy School Ambassador and Founder Potenciar Advisors, LLC.
I ended the day by attending the Heads of States reception hosted by the Clinton Family, as well as a reception hosted by the President of Sierra Leone and Gordon Brown to celebrate the United Nations Secretary General’s Transforming Education Summit.
Stay tuned for Day 2.
