Africa Youth Forum 2025 Underway in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, December 16, 2025 (FMC) — The Africa Youth Forum 2025 opened on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, bringing together young leaders, innovators, policymakers, and development partners from across the continent to discuss youth empowerment and economic opportunities.

The two-day event, being held December 16–17 at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) headquarters, is one of the continent’s largest youth engagement platforms. It brought together more than 300 participants, including over 100 virtual attendees, reflecting its hybrid format and pan-African reach.

Organized in alignment with the African Union’s 2025 Theme on Economic Justice for Youths and Agenda 2063, the forum addresses key challenges facing Africa’s youth and promotes dialogue on solutions related to financing, innovation, job creation, and entrepreneurship.

In his remarks at the opening of the event, Ethiopia’s Minister of State for Labor and Skills, Solomon, attended the opening and emphasized that youth empowerment is crucial for the development of the next generation.

He highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to increase youth participation across sectors and pointed to initiatives such as the 5 Million Ethio Coders training, which is enhancing skills in the technology sector.

Minister of State Solomon also underscored efforts to expand youth involvement in leadership, entrepreneurship, and other key fields under the principles of the Medemer thought.

For her part, Julie Graham, Netherlands Development Agency (SNV) country representative in Ethiopia, said collaboration is essential to maximize the multifaceted potential of Africa’s youth.

She assured that her organization will continue supporting youth participation in policy, innovation, economic, and social sectors.

Organizers said this year’s edition provides a platform for meaningful dialogue between young leaders and decision-makers, emphasizing the forum’s role in shaping long-term partnerships and economic opportunities for African youth.

Young leaders from various African countries are participating in the Forum, reflecting the event’s pan-African character and commitment to inclusive representation.

The Africa Youth Forum 2025 serves as a space for knowledge sharing, interactive discussions, and networking, aiming to empower young Africans to contribute to sustainable development and influence policymaking across the continent, it has been learned.