Kigali Youth Declaration Unveils Bold Agenda for Climate Action and Agricultural Transformation to Be Presented at COP29

September 9, 2024, Kigali, Rwanda –

100 Million Youth to Seek Jobs by 2030, But Only 3 Million Jobs Created Annually

Over 1,000 young people from across Africa came together at the recent Africa Food Systems Forum to commit to transforming the continent’s food systems and tackling the pressing challenges of climate change. Their collective efforts have resulted in the “Kigali Youth Declaration on Food Systems and Climate Action,” which is set to be presented at COP29 later this year. The declaration calls for global and regional stakeholders to amplify the voices of African youth, address climate challenges head-on, and accelerate opportunities for youth employment in the agricultural sector.

Dr. Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA, highlighted the significance of youth participation, stating, “This year, 40% of the youth were women, with strong representation from indigenous and differently abled individuals. These young people are committed to making food systems work. When food systems work, the world works, and for that reason, we need 80% of this forum to be youth-led.” The declaration underscores the crucial role young people will play in shaping the future of Africa’s food systems, emphasizing that youth-driven solutions are essential for lasting change.

The forum highlighted the numerous challenges facing African youth in agriculture, including limited access to resources such as land, capital, and agricultural inputs, as well as policy and regulatory barriers. These challenges, coupled with climate change, gender inequality, and inadequate education, hinder youth participation in the sector. Despite these obstacles, African youth have demonstrated an innovative spirit and entrepreneurial mindset that can drive positive change in food systems. The growing demand for sustainable food, technological advancements, and potential government support offer new opportunities for youth to contribute meaningfully to agricultural development.

The statistics shared during the event painted a stark picture: one-third of African youth are unemployed, and another third are vulnerably employed. By 2030, African youth will constitute 42% of the global youth population, with over 100 million seeking employment. While agriculture already employs 50% of Africa’s workforce, the sector’s potential for youth employment remains untapped. However, significant barriers remain, as over 25% of youth entering the job market lack basic literacy, and Africa is only creating 3 million new jobs annually, while 10 million young people enter the labor force each year.

The Kigali Youth Declaration offers a roadmap to address these challenges, leveraging the potential of African youth to transform food systems and build a more resilient and sustainable future for the continent. Through collective action and support, Africa’s youth can create a more prosperous and climate-resilient agricultural sector.