By Gideon Maxwell
July 24, 2024
Former Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has called on African leaders to create an environment that rewards the talents of its people to prevent brain drain and drive the continent’s prosperity.
Osinbajo noted that Africa has a significant youthful population, with experts predicting that by 2050, as much as 42% of the world’s workforce may be of African origin.
He delivered his message at the BOMA of Africa event, held on the sidelines of the 6th African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Accra, Ghana, on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
Prof. Osinbajo emphasized the need for African leaders to foster an environment that nurtures the continent’s youthful population, stating, “Forget the stereotypes—Africa is a powerhouse of change and innovation.
“From booming tech hubs to green energy revolutions, young entrepreneurs are driving the continent forward. As the world faces unprecedented challenges, Africa’s vibrant spirit offers unique solutions. Let’s recognize and support this dynamic force for a brighter global future. The world needs a united and dynamic Africa.”
He spoke on the need to leverage the energetic pool of talent, fortified with fast-advancing artificial intelligence, is a key advantage that the rest of the world cannot ignore.
To harness this potential, Osinbajo urged African countries to collaborate and work together to improve intra-African trade by building infrastructure that connects them both digitally and physically.
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He cited impressive statistics, stating that 41% of Africa’s machinery exports, 35% of biopharmaceutical products, and 30% of industrial chemicals are already being traded within the continent.
The former Vice President also highlighted Africa’s significant strides in the manufacturing sector, particularly in processing critical minerals essential for renewable and low-carbon technologies.
Osinbajo, who serves as a Global Advisor for the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), where he focuses on enhancing partnerships to increase capital flows into the clean energy sector in developing economies, called for global statesmanship, recognizing Africa’s potential to lead in achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Recalled during the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa demonstrated its innovative spirit by collaborating through Panavirus and the Africa CDC to build and deploy the world’s first vaccine passport.
The Panavirus platform digitally connected labs, hospital facilities, and pathogen genomic centers in 20 African countries.
Osinbajo’s message resonates with the theme of this year’s BOMA of Africa event, “From the Africa We Want to the Africa We Build,” which aims to ignite new momentum towards realizing Africa’s continental aspirations.
By showcasing major projects and initiatives, the event fosters a spirit of collaboration and determination to create a prosperous and dynamic Africa.
As the world faces global challenges, Africa’s youthful talent and innovative spirit offer unique solutions. It is time for the world to recognize and support this dynamic force for a brighter future. The world needs a united and dynamic Africa!
