Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire — Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Board Chair of the Global Leadership and Governance Institute (GLGI) and former President of the Republic of Mauritius, emphasized the urgent need to empower Africa’s youth while celebrating the 10th anniversary of the African Business and Social Responsibility Forum.
Reflecting on Africa’s development future, Dr. Gurib-Fakim noted that while the African continent is home to many people living in poverty, “Africa is not a poor continent.” She highlighted that one of Africa’s greatest assets is its youth, making it the youngest continent in the world and positioning it as a major force for growth, innovation, and transformation.
Dr. Gurib-Fakim stressed that Africa’s demographic strength must be managed carefully and empowered strategically. Without meaningful investment in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and opportunity creation, the continent’s youth advantage could become a challenge rather than a driver of progress.
“The young people of Africa should not be dying at sea because the Eldorado is their home — Africa,” Dr. Gurib-Fakim stated, underscoring the importance of creating pathways for young Africans to build dignified, prosperous, and impactful futures within their own communities and countries.
Dr. Gurib-Fakim also recalled that in 2016, she had the great honour of launching the African Business and Social Responsibility Forum in Mauritius. Initiated by Stephane Moudote Bell, the Forum was created to examine the impact of corporate social responsibility on society at large, with particular attention to the Sustainable Development Goals.
She welcomed the fact that the initiative has been sustained over the past decade and has now culminated in its 10-year anniversary celebration. Dr. Gurib-Fakim commended Stephane Moudote Bell for his endurance and vision, noting that the Forum has made an impact on more than 500 enterprises across the African continent.
The African Business and Social Responsibility Forum continues to serve as an important platform for reinforcing capacity, empowering youth, and encouraging African enterprises to create broader social impact through responsible business practices.
Dr. Gurib-Fakim’s message called on governments, institutions, businesses, and development partners to recognize Africa’s youth not as a burden, but as a strategic asset. By investing in young people and enabling them to become entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders, Africa can transform its demographic advantage into sustainable development and shared prosperity.
As Africa continues to shape its role in the global economy, Dr. Gurib-Fakim’s remarks serve as a timely reminder that the continent’s future lies not elsewhere, but within Africa itself.
Reflecting on Africa’s development future, Dr. Gurib-Fakim noted that while the African continent is home to many people living in poverty, “Africa is not a poor continent.” She highlighted that one of Africa’s greatest assets is its youth, making it the youngest continent in the world and positioning it as a major force for growth, innovation, and transformation.
Dr. Gurib-Fakim stressed that Africa’s demographic strength must be managed carefully and empowered strategically. Without meaningful investment in education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and opportunity creation, the continent’s youth advantage could become a challenge rather than a driver of progress.
“The young people of Africa should not be dying at sea because the Eldorado is their home — Africa,” Dr. Gurib-Fakim stated, underscoring the importance of creating pathways for young Africans to build dignified, prosperous, and impactful futures within their own communities and countries.
Dr. Gurib-Fakim also recalled that in 2016, she had the great honour of launching the African Business and Social Responsibility Forum in Mauritius. Initiated by Stephane Moudote Bell, the Forum was created to examine the impact of corporate social responsibility on society at large, with particular attention to the Sustainable Development Goals.
She welcomed the fact that the initiative has been sustained over the past decade and has now culminated in its 10-year anniversary celebration. Dr. Gurib-Fakim commended Stephane Moudote Bell for his endurance and vision, noting that the Forum has made an impact on more than 500 enterprises across the African continent.
The African Business and Social Responsibility Forum continues to serve as an important platform for reinforcing capacity, empowering youth, and encouraging African enterprises to create broader social impact through responsible business practices.
Dr. Gurib-Fakim’s message called on governments, institutions, businesses, and development partners to recognize Africa’s youth not as a burden, but as a strategic asset. By investing in young people and enabling them to become entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders, Africa can transform its demographic advantage into sustainable development and shared prosperity.
As Africa continues to shape its role in the global economy, Dr. Gurib-Fakim’s remarks serve as a timely reminder that the continent’s future lies not elsewhere, but within Africa itself.