OVER 260 youth from across the African continent, including four Zimbabwe participants, are set to benefit from a wealth of investment opportunities at the upcoming African Youth Leadership Diplomatic Conference (AYLDC5), to be held in Ethiopia next week.
The Ethiopian Youth Dialogue for Peace Association (EYDPA) in partnership with Intercontinental Youth Connect (IYC) of Zimbabwe and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), organised the summit that would play a pivotal role in shaping policies that enhance economic development, entrepreneurship, and global partnerships for African youth.
In an interview with this publication, Daniel Zinyemwe, Intercontinental Youth Connect’s Corporate Affairs Officer, said this diplomatic forum was central in driving youth-centered policies.
“The AYLDC5 is not just another conference; it is a turning point for African youth, including those in Zimbabwe. The Youth Agenda 2055, which will be finalized at the summit, is a visionary framework that aims to create sustainable employment, investment opportunities, and innovative business ventures for young people,” Zinyemwe said.
The policy framework under discussion focuses on six key areas which include economic development, youth well-being, people-to-people relations, peace and good governance, entrepreneurship and innovation, and climate justice and sustainability.
For Zimbabwean youth, the summit would be a platform to contribute to the final version of the Youth Agenda 2055 by submitting position papers with policy recommendations.
Zinyemwe said these contributions were key in ensuring that the policy reflects the real needs and aspirations of young people across the continent.
“We urge young Zimbabweans to actively participate in shaping policies that will define their future. This is an opportunity to influence decisions on economic empowerment, leadership inclusion, and international cooperation,” he added.
Beyond policy discussions, AYLDC5 is expected to strengthen partnerships between Africa and Japan, particularly in business, technology, and sustainable development.
“We are looking at strengthening Africa-Japan relations, which could see increased collaboration in youth-led enterprises, digital innovation, and climate resilience strategies that directly benefit Zimbabwean startups and industries,” Zinyemwe said.
Japan has been an active partner of Zimbabwe contributing to the development of the agricultural sector through various donations which include fertilizer and funding for sesame farmers in the country.
With Zimbabwe striving to boost youth-driven industrialization, the outcomes of
Furthermore, Zinyemwe said AYLDC5 could enhance local initiatives such as the Southern African Youth Development Council, complimenting the nation’s aim in boosting youth-driven industrialization.
Intercontinental Youth Connect is an initiative focused on green entrepreneurship, equipping young innovators with the tools and networks that drive sustainable business solutions.