Africa’s Political Parties Must Turn the Continent’s Youth Majority into a Driving Force for Development – Ethiopian Minister

Addis Ababa, November 5, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Aklilu Tadese, has underscored the responsibility of African political parties to transform the continent’s youthful population into an active force in governance, leadership and economic development.

Addressing the opening of the Second African Political Parties Summit in Addis Ababa, Aklilu said more than 60 percent of Africa’s population is under the age of 25, making the effective engagement and empowerment of young people decisive for the continent’s prosperity, stability and democratic progress.

He described young Africans as innovators, entrepreneurs, peacebuilders, community leaders and agents of transformation, stressing that they must not be treated merely as beneficiaries of development.

In Ethiopia, he said, youth empowerment has been placed at the centre of the national development agenda through investments in employment, entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership development.

The minister stated that young people hold more than 15 percent of leadership positions across government structures, from local administration to the federal level, including the office of the Prime Minister.

“When young people are given a seat at the table, they become agents of progress, not merely beneficiaries of it,” he said.

Aklilu emphasized that meaningful youth empowerment requires more than policies and programmes, underscoring the need for trust and genuine inclusion in decision-making. He said young people must be recognized as partners in government, policymaking and democratic leadership rather than being confined to roles as supporters, voters or campaign participants.

He further stressed that Africa’s challenges, including unemployment, conflict, climate change and technological transformation, cannot be addressed without the active engagement, ideas and leadership of young people.

The minister said political systems across the continent must listen to young people, create opportunities for their talents and entrust them with responsibilities in shaping Africa’s future.

The Second African Political Parties Summit is being held in Addis Ababa under the theme “Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future.”