Manority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has called for stronger institutional support to create meaningful economic opportunities for Africa’s growing youth population.
Speaking at the National Emerging Leaders Economic Forum (NELEF26) held at the UPSA Auditorium, Mr. Afenyo-Markin said Africa’s youthful population presents both an opportunity and a challenge, particularly as millions of young people enter the labour market each year without sufficient employment opportunities.
He said the challenge extends beyond unemployment to include underemployment, insecure jobs, limited access to finance and difficulties for young people seeking to turn their education and ideas into sustainable businesses. He argued that institutions must create the laws, policies and economic environment needed for young people to work, innovate and build enterprises.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin further linked economic development to democratic freedoms, saying young people, entrepreneurs and innovators must be able to express concerns and challenge existing systems without fear. According to him, Parliament has a central role in supporting youth employment and business growth through legislation, budgeting, policymaking and effective oversight.
He said Africa’s large youth population must be transformed into an economic advantage through inclusive growth, industrialisation, innovation and the creation of sustainable jobs. He urged young people to also take responsibility for turning their ideas into action and contributing to the development of their communities and the continent.