Marrakech, Morocco — The scorching sun reigned over Marrakech as youthful leaders, entrepreneurs and investors across the African continent gathered for the first-ever YES Africa Summit. The summit was first of its kind. It took place from the 19th to the 20th of June 2025 and attracted thousands of participants, both in person and virtually. YES Africa was a living platform of voices, visions, and ventures united by one unshakable belief that Africa’s youth are not the leaders of tomorrow they are the changemakers of today.
Speaking during the technology and innovation session, Harriet Richman an expert from the Centre for Women Empowerment in Technology – CWE Tech said, “The future of young people is in the hands of young people.” Harriet affirmed that the youth possess the potential to drive economic growth and innovation.
She also stated that Africa’s demographic trends should be understood in a clear-eyed manner to assess accurately whether it will be an asset or a liability. She thereafter reiterated that the time for African youth to shine has come and no one can deny it.
Accordingly the President of Jadara, Mr. Hamid Ben Elafdil, echoed similar sentiments. He emphasized that, “Africa is not on hold waiting for a solution, Africa is the solution.” This powerful sentiment was the heart of the entire summit making a genesis of an informed Africa by Africa for Africa.
Notably, the summit also addressed the current unemployment situation in sub-Saharan Africa. It was observed that the unemployment rate is deteriorating and this was exacerbated by various developments, such as the climate crisis.
A 2024 report by the International Labour Organization underscored that the lack of productive and decent jobs remains the largest labour market challenge for young people in Sub-Saharan Africa. At 21.9 per cent in 2023, the youth NEET (not in employment, education, or training) rate in sub-Saharan Africa exceeded the global rate (at 20.4 per cent).
Markedly more than one in four young people in Africa around 72 million are not in employment, education or training (NEET). In fact, two-thirds of unemployed persons in Africa are young women.
The need for policy interventions to support young women in finding stable and satisfactory employment remains a major concern that warrants attention. While there are numerous strategies and interventions to promote youth employment, the journey for addressing the structural challenges that impede change is still on.
While the YES Africa summit was a catalytic moment for Africa, only time will tell if visible fruits will be seen.