At the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), prominent leaders Tony Elumelu, founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), convened a significant reception to address two of Africa’s most pressing challenges: youth unemployment and the hunger crisis. The event brought together philanthropists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and global leaders to discuss sustainable solutions for these critical issues.
Highlighting the Challenges
During the meeting, Elumelu emphasised the alarming rates of youth unemployment across the continent, which he described as a ticking time bomb. With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the urgency for job creation has never been more critical. According to recent reports, youth unemployment in Nigeria alone stood at approximately 15.3% in 2019, with many young people lacking access to decent work opportunities.
Cindy McCain echoed these sentiments, pointing out that hunger in Africa is often exacerbated by economic instability and conflict. She highlighted that over 783 million people globally are affected by hunger, with many of these individuals living in Africa. The WFP’s efforts aim to address not only immediate food needs but also the underlying causes of food insecurity.
The Role of Entrepreneurship
Both leaders underscored the transformative potential of entrepreneurship as a solution to these crises. Elumelu noted that fostering entrepreneurship can create economic resilience and stability. The Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered over 20,000 young African entrepreneurs through training and funding initiatives since its inception in 2015. These entrepreneurs have collectively generated over $2.5 billion in revenue and created more than 400,000 jobs across the continent.
Elumelu stated, “Entrepreneurship creates economic resilience and plays a critical role in preventing crises. We must empower our youth to build resilient economies from the ground up.” He called for increased investment in entrepreneurship programs that can equip young Africans with the skills needed to thrive in today’s economy.
Addressing Hunger Through Collaboration
McCain highlighted WFP’s commitment to tackling hunger through innovative partnerships and collaborative efforts. She introduced WFP’s exclusive philanthropic initiative aimed at uniting global leaders in the pursuit of Zero Hunger. “We are at a pivotal moment where global hunger has reached alarming levels,” McCain stated. “Political and private sector leaders must step up now. We need bold action and innovative partnerships to turn the rising tide of humanitarian needs.”
The event also served as a platform for discussing ongoing humanitarian emergencies in regions like Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where WFP operates under challenging conditions to deliver aid.
As discussions continue at UNGA79, the call for action resonates louder than ever: investing in Africa’s youth is essential for building a prosperous future for all.
By Joseph Johnston,
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
