USA: FORMER President Dr Jakaya Kikwete has presented a compelling vision for addressing youth unemployment in Africa, emphasising the urgent need to stimulate economic growth as a foundation for creating job opportunities.
Dr Kikwete highlighted the importance of fostering a favourable investment climate and ensuring political stability across the continent, as the factors are essential for empowering young people and driving sustainable development.
He said that sustainable job creation is inherently tied to a thriving economy and that fostering both foreign and local investments is crucial, saying by focusing on such interconnected factors, he believes African nations can empower the youth and pave the way for a more prosperous future.
Dr Kikwete made the statement during discussion on the state of political governance in Africa held at the Institute of Politics Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University in the United States.
The former president stressed that job creation is fundamentally linked to economic growth.
“If an economy doesn’t grow, there’s no way to create jobs,” he said.
According to Dr Kikwete, a thriving economy not only generates additional job opportunities but also attracts both foreign and local investments while foreign direct investment is crucial.
He also stressed the importance of fostering local entrepreneurship.
“We must empower our local entrepreneurs to invest in their communities because nurturing local businesses can significantly contribute to job creation and economic resilience,”.
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He said security and political stability are critical for fostering an environment conducive to investment, saying this underscores the necessity for African governments to prioritise peace and stability to attract both domestic and international capital.
Dr Kikwete also addressed the significance of generational leadership in Africa and observed a notable trend where younger leaders are increasingly taking charge, citing the example of Senegal’s 34-year-old president.
“It’s refreshing to see younger individuals stepping into leadership roles,” he said.
He believes that such generational transitions can inspire innovation and adaptability, essential qualities in today’s rapidly changing economic landscape.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Kikwete acknowledged the complexities of leadership transitions, particularly when handing over power to older successors.
He emphasised the importance of surrounding young leaders with competent and trustworthy advisors to combat corruption and ensure effective governance.
“How can you pass the baton to someone significantly older than you?” he questioned, suggesting that generational alignment in leadership can lead to more effective governance and resonate better with the youth.
“As African countries navigate the complexities of the modern world, embracing younger leadership and fostering innovation will be essential,” he added.
Kikwete’s call to action serves as a reminder that empowering the youth is not just a moral imperative, it is vital for the continent’s sustainable development and economic prosperity.
“By implementing these strategies, Africa can unlock the full potential of its young population, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future,” he said.
On the other hand, Former President Kikwete expressed concerns about the impact of growing debt levels on democracy in Africa.
With 20 countries currently facing technical bankruptcy, Kikwete warned that the inability of governments to meet citizens’ needs due to financial constraints could undermine democratic stability.
Reflecting on past initiatives, Kikwete advocated for a bold approach akin to the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative from the early 1990s, which successfully alleviated debt burdens for many nations.
On her side, Former Mozambique Prime Minister, Luisa Diogo addressed the pressing challenges facing African governance amid rising urbanisation and heavy debt burdens.
Diogo noted that 30 African countries now allocate more resources to debt servicing than to health services, a situation exacerbated by post-pandemic inflation and global crises, including the war in Ukraine.
Diogo emphasised the complexities of managing commercial debt, which poses significant challenges for African governments seeking forgiveness or relief.
She highlighted the need for innovative solutions, particularly in vocational training and self-employment, to address the continent’s youth unemployment crisis.
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