Africa Job Creation Forum in Addis Ababa Spurs Youth Innovation and Market Linkages

Addis Ababa, July 10, 2025 (FMC) — Young African entrepreneurs have praised the 3rd Africa Job Creation Forum, hosted in Ethiopia, as a valuable platform for networking, sharing experiences, and promoting their products.

The three-day forum, held in Addis Ababa and concluded yesterday, emphasized collaboration, innovation, and sustainable economic opportunities for the continent’s growing youth population.

Participants noted that the event, which featured an accompanying exhibition, enabled them to connect with peers, gain exposure, and enhance their product development strategies.

Kaikara Babra, founder of Uganda-based Imaro Innovations, said she adds value to agricultural products and brings them to market. Speaking to local news agency ENA, she emphasized that the networking opportunities at the forum will directly contribute to improving the quality of her products.

“Networking changes lives,” she said. “We’re doing business to earn a living, yes, but beyond that, you grow. You get exposed, your mindset evolves. It’s not just about sitting in a classroom. By meeting people and moving around, your thinking changes. This is the kind of opportunity I’ve found here.”

She also expressed admiration for Ethiopia’s capital, noting, “The city is very clean, and the people are extremely welcoming.”

Gertrude Chambati, Director of Majestic Africa Pvt Ltd from Zimbabwe, is engaged in agricultural processing and marketing.

She said the forum went beyond market linkages, offering an important opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow entrepreneurs.

“It’s not only a platform to showcase what I’m doing, but also a chance to learn from others,” she remarked. “When you connect with like-minded individuals, you gain valuable feedback that can improve your work and help others too.”

She highlighted the transformational impact of such interactions, stating, “Business isn’t just about earning money. It’s about mindset growth. You evolve through exposure, not just education.”

Both Babra and Chambati, who were visiting Ethiopia for the second time, noted visible progress in the country’s development.

They said Ethiopia is creating a conducive environment for youth entrepreneurship and job creation.

“This is my second visit to Ethiopia,” Chambati said. “Last year I attended the African Youth in Agribusiness Conference and the World Resilient Hunger Conference. I’ve seen rapid progress in infrastructure. There’s a lot of industrialization happening here, which is promising for young entrepreneurs like myself.”

The Africa Job Creation Forum has continued to position itself as a continental platform where youth-driven innovation meets opportunity, empowering the next generation of African changemakers.