Washington, DC — The Obama administration this week commemorated Africa's historical achievements by engaging youth leaders in a dialogue on the continent's future.
"You are the heirs of the independence generation that we celebrate this year," Obama said during a town hall meeting at the White House on Tuesday. "You represent the great part of Africa that is often overlooked, the great progress that many Africans have achieved and the unlimited potential that you've got going forward into the 21st century."
The U.S. government brought about 113 leaders from 46 countries representing civil society organizations, the faith community and the private sector for a three-day conference convened, in part, to highlight the fact that this year "people in 17 nations across sub-Saharan Africa are proudly celebrating 50 years of independence," Obama said.
"I called this forum for a simple reason," he said. "I don't see Africa as a world apart; I see Africa as a fundamental part of our interconnected world."
During a 50-minute question-and-answer session, the president answered questions about HIV/Aids funding and various governance issues and challenged delegates to take an integral role in their countries' growth and development. He urged accountability and openness in leadership and openness to new ideas within their own organizations.
"We are rooting for your success, and we want to work with you to achieve that success, but ultimately success is going to be in your hands," the president said. "Being a partner means that we can be there by your side, but we can't do it for you."
After meeting the youth, Obama addressed officials from 32 African countries and regional organizations taking part in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, which is convened each year to encourage ties between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa.
The youth conference included sessions at the State Department examining a range of issues and highlighting Africa-based initiatives such as Ushahidi and Apps for Africa.
"We have an administration that has said from the beginning that the focus on Africa is a real priority for them," said Rosann Wisman, director of Ministerial Leadership Initiative for Global Health at the Aspen Institute, co-host of the welcome reception. She applauded the State Department for the focus on youth. "It was a fantastic opportunity for these young people," she said. "These young people are the future."
The sentiment was echoed by Randall Kempner, Executive Director of the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) at the Aspen Institute, in an address to a reception at the National Museum of African Art. Entrepreneurship in every sector is key, Kempner said, challenging the youth leaders to continue and expand their efforts in such diverse arenas as youth advocacy, agriculture, and micro-finance.
Edwin Sabuhoro, who works in community empowerment in Rwanda, commended the organizers for bringing youth together to talk with each other. "They have not given us a talk or lecture," he said. The U.S. hosts listened as the youth talked and discussed ways to work together in the future, he said.
One concern expressed by young leaders was the level of support they could expect from the United States. They were especially concerned with receiving support for nations that had little to offer the United States in exchange. Obama responded saying that although all countries look out for their interests, Africa's interests do not clash with those of the United States.
Abigail Kaindu, a Zambian filmmaker and leadership trainer, said in an interview that she hopes the United States will follow through on the promise of partnership. "We may have the skills, but we need resources," she said.
Another Zambian, Brenda Phiri, who works for the multinational consulting firm Deloitte, agreed that more assistance is needed. "The government developed a national youth policy to address some of the challenges that we youth are facing," she said. "But they can't afford it on their own; they need partnerships from different sectors of the economy [and] donor funding to really help address so many challenges that we are facing."
Many of the youth leaders said they hope to see pressure applied on their governments to enable them to do their jobs more effectively.
Paulo Alculeto Lopes de Araujo from Mozambique spoke about the obstacles youth leaders in his country face when dealing with the government. "It's challenging especially because doing volunteer is something not very recognized by our government because they still do not acknowledge the value of volunteer work."
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Isiloketshi Anzuluni, a retail risk manager for Ecobank in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said his government has been helpful to banks opening branches across the country, but he said more efficiency and a clearer economic vision is needed. "We have 20 banks in DRC, but I think those banks are not really active."
Anzuluni hopes something concrete will come out of the forum. "The more important thing is to have real follow-up after this meeting. It should not be just a one-time thing."
For Araujo from Mozambique, networking and interactions are the most valuable aspect of being in Washington this week. "We don't know what other young leaders are doing in their countries," he said. "I believe there are a lot of good works being done but people don't have the chance to share the experience."
For a complete list of the names of the youth leaders at the event and information about their work, click here.
