Addis Ababa, August 24, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia has called for stronger youth cooperation within BRICS, urging the establishment of dedicated funding mechanisms and joint investments in digital and green technologies to expand opportunities for young people and drive sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting in Visakhapatnam, India, the Ethiopian delegation emphasized the central role of young people in strengthening economic resilience, noting that more than 70 percent of Ethiopia’s population is under the age of 30.
The delegation highlighted Ethiopia’s revised National Youth Policy, Digital Ethiopia 2030 and the Green Legacy Initiative as key national efforts aimed at expanding opportunities for young people. The Green Legacy Initiative, in particular, mobilizes youth annually in efforts to address climate change while creating green employment opportunities.
To strengthen the impact of the BRICS Youth Council, Ethiopia proposed three areas of action: expanding investment in digital literacy, green entrepreneurship and technical skills in agriculture and renewable energy; harnessing youth leadership for conflict prevention and resilience; and broadening educational and cultural exchange programs.
Ethiopia also urged BRICS to establish operational mechanisms and funding arrangements to support youth enterprises and strengthen links between the BRICS Youth Council and institutions such as the African Union.
The Ethiopian delegation reaffirmed the country’s commitment to supporting the Council’s initiatives and helping translate shared youth-development goals into concrete progress.