African Leaders Urge Youth to Shape Africa's Future

At the closing of the 2026 Aliko Dangote Foundation Africa Diaspora Leadership Programme Young Global Leaders Convening in Lagos, African leaders called on the continent's younger generation to take greater control of Africa's economic and political future. Key speakers included Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations; Prof. Benedict Oramah, former President of Afreximbank; and Taiwo Oyedele, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

They emphasized the need for Africa to move beyond being defined by its challenges and natural resources, advocating for the establishment of globally competitive enterprises and technologies. Mohammed stated that Africans should not only seek representation in global decision-making but also the power to influence those decisions.

She highlighted the importance of strengthening institutions and recognizing Africa's collective economic and political weight. Oramah noted that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery symbolizes Africa's capacity to undertake complex projects, which could positively impact the continent's mindset.