The Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation trustee and chair of its African region Muhoho Kenyatta has underscored the significance of youth leadership in transforming the continent.
During the opening ceremony of the Africa regional conference of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Mombasa, Muhoho expressed his strong support for young people, asserting their role as essential catalysts for positive change in Africa.
Muhoho said youth leadership can propel the continent forward through innovation and dynamism.
“As I look around this room, I see the faces of dedicated individuals who, despite numerous challenges, continue to champion the cause of youth development across our diverse continent. Your presence here today is a testament to your unwavering belief in the potential of every young person in Africa to be a catalyst for positive change,” he stated.
“It is their time now to grasp and take over the mantle of leadership, as well as the stewardship of our continent with their passion, innovation, and energy,” he added.
He decried underutilisation of youth potential across the continent arguing that while Africa possesses the strongest workforce globally, rigid systems continue to hinder young people from realizing this potential
“Africa’s youth population is projected to reach nearly 830 million by 2050, a startling reality, being not just the youngest continent, but potentially the most dynamic workforce on the planet. Yet this demographic remains, and I emphasize, largely untapped and constrained by the systems that were not designed for the scale and speed of change that we now face,” Muhoho stated
“Africa stands at a crucial crossroads. Our continent’s trajectory will be determined by how well we prepare our youth for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow,” he added.
According to Muhoho Kenyatta, the conference would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to express their views and offer expert solutions on strengthening governance and implementing effective strategies for change.
“To my fellow Kenyans, this is our moment to showcase the innovation and resilience that characterise the award, known locally as the Presidential Award – Kenya. Every insight shared, every connection made, and every plan developed here has the potential to transform young lives across the continent,” Muhoho stated.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a non-formal education and learning framework that supports young people in discovering their purpose, place, and passion in the world. Available in over 120 countries, this globally recognised accreditation is open to all individuals aged 14 to 24, regardless of their backgrounds, locations, cultures, or abilities.
Through the programme, each young person becomes part of something special while developing their individual interests, universal skills, and life ambitions.
