Addis Ababa, June 11, 2026 (FMC) – United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed has called for a decisive shift toward results-driven action in Africa’s development agenda, urging governments, the private sector, and development partners to focus on delivering tangible outcomes, particularly jobs and inclusive economic growth.
In a recorded message to the inaugural Africa Development Impact Forum in Addis Ababa, she stressed that Africa’s development success must be measured by real-world impact rather than commitments, highlighting employment creation as a central benchmark.
Mohammed said Africa’s young population remains its greatest asset, but warned that realizing its potential requires effective investment in skills and systems that enable meaningful participation in economic transformation.
She emphasized the importance of scaling digital public infrastructure, noting its role in expanding access to services, opening markets, increasing productivity, and creating pathways to decent work.
The Deputy Secretary-General said Africa already has proven models across key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, services, the digital economy, green jobs, creative industries, and SMEs, but stressed that the key challenge lies in scaling and sustaining these solutions.
She called for a shift from fragmented efforts and pilots toward coordinated implementation, urging stronger alignment among governments, the private sector, and development partners around national and regional priorities.
Mohammed underscored that development cooperation must be anchored in delivery, with governments providing leadership, the private sector driving innovation and investment, and partners aligning support behind country-led priorities.
She concluded that Africa’s development progress should be judged by outcomes on the ground, including jobs created, livelihoods improved, and opportunities expanded for young people.
By Mesafint Brlie