In an address at the Y20 2025 Pre-Summit hosted by South Africa, former African Union Chair Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma delivered a rallying cry for Africa’s youth and women to become the cornerstone of the continent’s future development. 

Her speech at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria on Monday, marked by passion and urgency, highlighted that Africa must seize its narrative and chart a new course that is rooted in inclusive growth, peace, and sustainable development.

Dlamini-Zuma began by reflecting on Africa’s long history, noting that it has often been misunderstood or misrepresented

“For a long time in our history, we have struggled to define our own story,” she said.

“We are a continent blessed with 60% of the world’s sunshine, yet we face a staggering 60% unemployment rate among our youth. It’s time to turn the tide.”

Highlighting the demographic realities of Africa, by 2050, the majority of the population will be young. Dlamini-Zuma called on the current generation of young people and women to be the backbone of development.

“This generation must be the drivers of peace and development. There can be no peace without development, and no development without peace,” she asserted.

She urged governments and stakeholders to make education and skills training more accessible, stating that “young people have the right to education, and they must actively pursue it.” 

She challenged youth to see themselves as beneficiaries and active infrastructure, industry, and economic growth contributors.

Dlamini-Zuma drew attention to the continent’s rich mineral resources and criticised the legacy of resource exploitation.

“Our minerals have long been mined and exported without value addition,” she said.

“We must stop the leakage of our resources and instead process them locally to create jobs and economic benefits for our people.”

She stated the importance of developing the ocean economy and expanding participation in mineral processing industries, urging young Africans to engage in these sectors to foster sustainable growth.

The former AU Chair stressed the need for Africa’s development models to prioritise inclusivity.

“If we continue to ignore inequality, it will threaten our livelihood,” she warned. 

“Our approach must be different—focused on empowering youth and women, promoting entrepreneurship, and ensuring that no one is left behind.”

Dlamini-Zuma also spoke out against exclusion, criticising the summit’s failure to include sign language interpreters for those with hearing impairments. 

“We cannot have genuine participation if we leave behind those with disabilities,” she said, calling for more inclusive policies in future forums.

She highlighted the importance of youth involvement in global issues, recalling Africa’s historic support for anti-apartheid struggles and emphasising solidarity with oppressed peoples worldwide, including Palestine.

“Our youth have historically stood against injustice,” she noted. “They must continue to be drivers of peace, solidarity, and justice across the globe.”

She called for ongoing dialogue among young people, urging them to build movements, demand accountability, and unite around justice and development.

“The future belongs to you,” she said. “Your actions today will echo worldwide.”

Y20 South Africa Chair Raymond Matlala also addressed challenges faced by youth organisations, notably the lack of funding and visibility. 

“If we had more resources, our initiatives could reach more young people,” he explained. “We rely heavily on municipal partnerships to connect with communities and amplify youth voices.”

He urged stakeholders to support youth-led initiatives that foster participation and advocacy, ensuring young Africans can fulfil their potential.

The Y20 2025 Pre-Summit continues through Monday and Tuesday, with stakeholders from across Africa and beyond gathering to strategise on empowering youth and women for a sustainable, prosperous continent. 

thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za

IOL Politics

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