Kindiki urges youth in Africa and Arab world to take charge of their future

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has encouraged young people across Africa and Arab nations to step up as leaders in solving the world’s most pressing challenges, highlighting their capacity to drive meaningful change.

Speaking on Friday at the Afro-Arab Youth Congress in Kampala, Uganda, he underscored the vital contributions youth can make in technology, climate solutions, governance, sustainable farming, renewable energy, and entrepreneurship.

The congress also featured remarks from Uganda President Yoweri Museveni and several other leaders.

“This is your moment. Be bold in your imagination, be fearless in your action, and be united in your purpose. The world is watching Africa and the Arab world. The future of our regions depends not on what is done for the youth, but on what is done by the youth,” he said.

Kindiki stressed that both regions have youthful populations brimming with potential that must be harnessed to transform society.

“Africa and the Arab world are the youngest regions on earth. With more than 65 percent of our population below the age of 35, we are living not just with a demographic reality, but with a generational opportunity, loaded with huge dividends if well harnessed,” he noted.

The Deputy President also reaffirmed Kenya’s dedication to initiatives that equip young people with skills, nurture innovation, and amplify their influence globally.

“Kenya commits to strengthening partnerships that empower youth through training, mentorship, and financing; promoting innovation ecosystems where startups can thrive and expand across Afro-Arab markets; expanding educational and cultural exchanges for our youth to learn, collaborate, and lead together; and championing youth voices in regional, continental, and global decision-making,” he said.

He further encouraged stronger collaboration between African and Arab countries to create opportunities and attract investments for young entrepreneurs.

Kindiki highlighted examples of youth-led innovation, noting that young people are spearheading fintech solutions in Nairobi, AI development in

Dubai, climate advocacy and renewable energy projects in Morocco, Egypt, and Kenya, and promoting cultural exchange through music, film, and art in South Africa, Uganda, Qatar, and Lebanon.

They are also launching social enterprises that tackle unemployment and inequality across Algeria, Nigeria, Tanzania, and other nations.

“This is proof that youth are not leaders of tomorrow, they are the change-makers of today… the torch is in your hands, lift it high, carry it forward, and light the way for future generations,” he concluded.