Two pillars of Africa growth

Africa’s sustainable development is dependent on its youth and engagement in the agricultural sector is key to providing more jobs for young people, according to the United Nations (UN).

“For the African continent to achieve sustainable development, more jobs must be created for its young people, including in the digitalised agriculture sectors,” said Jose Graziano da Silva, director-general of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), at the Youth Employment in Agriculture Conference in Kigali, Rwanda which ended yesterday.

More than 60% of Africa’s estimated 1.2 billion people are under the age of 25 – mostly living in rural areas.

“They must perceive agriculture as a remunerative and profitable sector and the dissemination of information and communication technologies in rural areas play an important role in this regard,” said Da Silva.

Yet, there is a growing uncertainty over the continent’s preparedness to tap this precious resource.

It requires that tens of millions of rural area jobs be created annually for the continent to harness the dividends of its youth. – ANA