The Chairman of RPF-Inkotanyi, H.E President Paul Kagame has said that the youth in Africa are indispensable partners in development and should not be left behind in any undertaking.

The head of state was speaking at the opening of the YouthConnekt Summit, a gathering of over 9000 youths fromacross the country and the African continent, which is happening for the fifth time.

Hosted by the Government of Rwanda in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this is the fifth edition of the YouthConnekt Africa Summit.

It builds on its unique convening power to impact policies and investments made for continued youth development across the continent.

“As leaders, we must recognise that young people are our partners in our development agenda. We have a duty to listen to you and work with you. Whatever your purpose, don’t be discouraged by doubts, begin by not doubting yourself,” said the President.

He added; “Youth Connekt has become a powerhouse that brings thousands of youth together to contribute solutions and learn from each other. With your insights and innovation, you are leading the way to a more resilient Africa.

Inspired by the African Union’s theme of the year, this year’s summit will focus on building the resilience of young people on the African continent to accelerate human capital and socio-economic development.

The meeting was among other dignitaries attended by H.E Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya’s Deputy President, while several other heads of state addressed the continental youth virtually.

Over the last six years, the YouthConnekt Africa Summit, first hosted in Kigali in 2017, has grown to become Africa’s largest annual gathering that connects youth from across the continent and beyond with policy influencers, political leaders, and public, private, and development sector institutions to engage, discuss, design, and accelerate youth empowerment efforts at a continental level.