The Youth Connekt Africa Summit 2024, held from November 8 to 11 in Kigali, Rwanda, brought together over 500 young leaders from 36 African nations under the theme “Jobs for Youth Through Innovative Skills.” This event, initiated by the African Union, serves as a crucial platform for engaging Africa’s youth to address pressing issues and build sustainable futures. For Eritrea, participating for the second time, the summit was a catalyst for reflection, collaboration, and renewed commitment to youth empowerment.
Mr. Samsom Kifle, the Eritrean delegate and head of the Central Region branch of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students (NUEYS), underscored the summit’s transformative potential. He highlighted the innovative spirit of Eritrean youth while emphasizing the critical need for enhanced digital infrastructure. “Eritrean youth are remarkably creative and deeply committed to their communities,” said Mr. Samsom. “What sets them apart from their peers in more developed African countries is not their talent or determination but access to digital tools and resources. With initiatives like the Innovation Hub, we are taking concrete steps to bridge this gap.”
At the heart of Eritrea’s strategy to advance digital literacy is the newly launched Innovation Hub, spearheaded by the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students (NUEYS). The hub aims to provide Eritrean youth with essential digital and technological skills, positioning them to compete and thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Located in the nation’s capital, Asmara, the hub currently offers courses designed to eliminate digital illiteracy and promote innovation. It aligns seamlessly with the summit’s emphasis on equipping youth with the tools necessary for economic and social development.
According to Mr. Samsom, the hub is just the beginning of a nationwide initiative. “The plan is to establish similar centers in all six regions of Eritrea,” he explained. “This will ensure that youth from every corner of the country have access to the tools and knowledge needed to participate in the digital age.”
These regional hubs will not only expand access but also tailor their programs to address the unique needs and opportunities of their local communities. For instance, hubs in rural areas may emphasize technology solutions for agriculture and sustainable development, while urban centers might focus more on software development and e-commerce.
During the summit, participants engaged in workshops, panel discussions, and presentations that showcased innovative approaches to education, entrepreneurship, and technology. Exemplary young leaders shared their success stories, offering inspiration and actionable insights. Mr. Samsom noted, “The summit was a powerful reminder that technology is not just a tool but a catalyst for societal transformation. By investing in digital literacy, we can empower Eritrean youth to address socio-economic challenges with creativity and precision.”
One of the critical takeaways from the summit was the urgency of building a robust digital ecosystem. While Eritrea faces challenges due to its history of colonization, conflict, and resource limitations, Mr. Samsom expressed confidence in the country’s potential. “The Eritrean government has long prioritized vocational and technical training,” he explained. “The Innovation Hub represents an evolution of this vision, focusing on the digital skills required to thrive in the modern world.”
The Youth Connekt Summit is primarily about actionable outcomes. For Eritrea, the event highlighted the importance of creating spaces where youth can learn, collaborate, and innovate. Mr.Samsom shared, “The Innovation Hub will serve as a platform for collaboration and entrepreneurship. It’s not just about teaching skills; it’s about fostering a mindset where youth become creators and leaders in their fields.”
This initiative is particularly timely as digital literacy becomes indispensable in the global economy. From e-commerce to artificial intelligence, technology offers opportunities to solve local and global challenges. “Eritrean youth must not only keep up with these advancements but contribute to them,” Mr. Samsom stated. “The summit has reinforced the importance of positioning our youth as active participants in the digital economy.”
One of the most valuable aspects of the summit was the opportunity to connect with peers and potential partners from across Africa. These connections can facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative projects that strengthen Eritrea’s youth programs. Mr.Samsom remarked, “Collaboration is key. By working with other countries, we can learn from their successes and apply those lessons to our unique context. This is how we turn challenges into opportunities.”
The summit also highlighted initiatives like Hanga Pitchfest, which supports youth-led startups. Such programs offer inspiration for similar projects in Eritrea, where innovation can address pressing issues like agricultural and environmental sustainability.
As Eritrea expands its digital initiatives, the lessons from the Youth Connekt Summit serve as a guiding framework. The Innovation Hub, with its focus on digital literacy and entrepreneurship, is a tangible example of how strategic investments can empower youth. Reflecting on the summit’s impact, Mr.Samsom concluded with a powerful message: “We need to ensure that our young people are not just consumers of technology but creators and innovators.”
With this vision, Eritrea is taking significant strides toward a future where its youth play a leading role in shaping the nation’s development. By equipping young people with the skills and opportunities to innovate, the country is not only addressing its immediate challenges but also laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.
Written by Sona Berhane