Empowering Emerging African Leaders: Innovations in Technology Infrastructure, Tools, andSystems for Youth Employment in the AfCFTA context

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving landscape of Africa's economic integration, the need for innovative strategies to harness the potential of its young populations is a primary developmental requirement. This presentation explores the transformative role of technology innovations, tools, and enablers in relation to the utility of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center Southern Africa, sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development in collaboration with the UNISA School of Business Leadership. Specifically, it explores how emerging leaders have creatively applied their knowledge to strengthen Africa's capacity for common-market harmonization and to mitigate youth unemployment. Introduction: The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) presents an unprecedented opportunity for the continent's economic growth. However, realizing its full potential requires addressing critical challenges, particularly youth unemployment. This presentation aims to shed light on the strategies employed by young leaders who have contributed to Africa's readiness for the AfCFTA and, in doing so, have made strides in mitigating youth unemployment.

Methodology: To comprehensively explore this topic, the current research adopts a multi-faceted approach. It will draw upon case studies of successful projects initiated by young leaders. Additionally, it will utilize qualitative and quantitative research methods to assess the impact of identified projects on youth leadership development goals, ICT, and youth entrepreneurship in the context of the AfCFTA.

Anticipated Contributions: 1. Demonstrating the imperative roles of programs such as YALI and similar continental organizations. 2. Proposing strategies for mitigation of youth unemployment: gleaning insights from current and prospective projects that address continental concerns. 3. Showcasing projects that exhibit Africa's readiness for the AfCFTA, and that underscore the need fortargeted technology innovations responsive to economic integration. 4. Arrogating for UNISA-SBL youth entrepreneurship: Arrogating for UNISA’s role in promoting andfostering community engagement developments relative to entrepreneurship and technology innovations.