African business gurus must create opportunities for the youth – Dr. Bawumia

Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has urged African business moguls to help create job opportunities for the unemployed youth across the continent to get something to do to earn a living.

According to him, ‘’In the context of Africa's economic growth, the role of business leaders and professionals cannot be overstated. Whether you choose to become entrepreneurs, corporate executives, or social change-makers, your actions will shape the trajectory of our economies and societies’’.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia said this in a speech read on his behalf by the Former Minister for Railways and Development, Joe Ghartey at the Matriculation Ceremony of the Univesity of Abuja Business School, Abuja -Nigeria over the weekend.

The MP for Essikadoh Ketah, Joe Ghartey on behalf of the Vice President, empathized that Entrepreneurs like Aliko Dangote, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, and Ashish Thakkar have demonstrated the potential for African business leaders to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs across the continent.
Speaking on the theme ‘, "Human Capital Development, Professionalism, and Economic Growth in Africa," he said ‘’this is not only timely but also critical to the future of our continent. It is well established that human capital is a prerequisite for inclusive growth and shared prosperity for African countries’’.

Dr. Bawumia noted that ‘’Investment in human beings through education and training, learning and experience, or health interventions is critical in shaping future income and productivity. Indeed no country has had accelerated development without investing in its youth. African countries can,
therefore, not be an exception in their quest for economic development’’.

The Vice President said the World Economic Forum, currently, rates that over 60% of Africa's population is under the age of 25, and by 2030, young Africans are projected to represent about 42% of the global youth demographic adding that African youth are rising to the challenge and are making remarkable strides.

He said ‘’ It's crucial to develop structured policies that address the longstanding developmental issues of the continent. As aptly noted, African youths are playing an increasingly active role in shaping their future and are transforming societal perceptions of African agriculture, industry, IT, and sustainability across the continent’’.

‘’It is essential for us to recognize that Ghana and Nigeria offer a microcosm of the
broader challenges and opportunities facing the African continent. By aligning our efforts in
human capital development and professionalism with the specific needs and aspirations of these nations, we can amplify the impact of our collective endeavors and set the stage for
sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Africa’’ Bawumia noted.

However, Dr. Bawumia urged the students and African youth to embrace every opportunity with a sense of purpose, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, adding that ‘’Seek not only to acquire knowledge but to gain the skills, wisdom, and ethical foundation that will enable you to make a meaningful impact in the business world and beyond’’.