Through this article, CAFRAD celebrates African Youth Day. This day—celebrated each year on November 1st under the auspices of the African Union (AU)—is a tribute to the essential role of young people as key agents of change on the African continent. It aims to highlight and reaffirm their decisive contribution to Africa’s social, economic and sustainable development. It also underscores the strategic importance of African youth—defined by the AU as individuals aged 15 to 35—and offers an opportunity to reflect on their aspirations, challenges and the investments required to build a future that matches their potential.

On this occasion, CAFRAD reiterates the importance of young people as drivers of social change, economic growth and sustainable development, emphasizing their central role in the continent’s future. Indeed, representing more than one-third of Africa’s population, the youth constitute a crucial lever for building a more equitable, prosperous and resilient Africa.

In 2024, several activities were organized to celebrate youth: the Pan-African Youth Forum, held in Oran, Algeria, brought together hundreds of young people from various African countries to define their priorities and their contribution to the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Other celebrations, such as the one held in Abidjan, focused on the theme of accelerating African integration, highlighting the shared commitment to strengthen solidarity, cooperation and cohesion among African nations in support of the continent’s development.

Once again this year, November 1st provides an opportunity to highlight the achievements of African youth, promote their empowerment, and identify investment priorities to enhance their participation in the continent’s development. In its various activities, the Centre consistently celebrates the contribution of young people and promotes emerging project leaders. Since education and continuous training are essential pillars of structural progress, CAFRAD places strong emphasis on education and skills development for youth, particularly in the areas of governance, active citizenship, digital innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship.

It is through its youth that Africa will shape change and realize the vision of a strong, united and prosperous continent.