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THE Africa Economic Leadership Council (AELC) has officially launched its South African chapter.

Gauteng Premier David Makhura told delegates at the launch in Sandton this week that the youth must have a choice of where they want to work, and be afforded an opportunity to establish their businesses.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship must be a cornerstone for every effort,” he added.

Makhura further explained that for local and continental businesses to thrive, they need to have competitive and conscious leadership in all sectors.

The purpose of the chapter was to draw inspiration from the AU Free Trade Agreement area that seeks to reignite industrialisation, boost intra-African trade and empower small to medium enterprises to benefit from global markets.

AECL co-founders Heinrich Hafeni and Percy Morapedi Koji maintained that it was time for Africa to strive and open its doors for businesses that the coming generation can take to greater heights.

Kofi said AECL planned to hold a Namibia Intra-Africa Expo and Doing Business in Africa Summit in Swakopmund from May 23 to 25.