A group of about 20 talented Basotho youth who excelled at the recent ‘SEBABATSO’ youth conference will proudly represent Lesotho at the upcoming Youth Connekt Africa Summit 2024. The summit is set to take place from November 8 to 10 at the Kigali Convention Centre in Rwanda.
Themed “Jobs for Youth through Innovative Skilling,” the summit aims to unite over 4,000 leaders, young innovators, and entrepreneurs from across Africa. Participants will focus on spotlighting youth-led initiatives that are driving economic growth and development on the continent.
Building Networks for Growth
The Youth Connekt initiative, which originated in Rwanda in the early 1990s, aims to foster collaboration and networking among African youth. Ms. Lintle Rabolinyane, Focal Person for Youth Connekt Lesotho Chapter within the Department of Youth at the Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development, highlighted the significance of this initiative. She noted that the summit will provide an invaluable platform for Basotho youth to connect with their peers across Africa, share ideas, and forge partnerships that can lead to impactful projects.
“This summit will not only allow our youth to gain insights into innovative approaches to job creation but will also enable them to build lasting networks that can benefit their communities and the nation as a whole,” said Ms. Rabolinyane.
Support from the UNDP
Participants from Lesotho will be supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the main sponsor of the Youth Connekt Lesotho Chapter. This sponsorship underscores the importance of empowering youth through education, innovation, and skills development. The UNDP’s involvement emphasizes a commitment to fostering economic opportunities for young people in Lesotho and across the continent.
A Platform for Economic Growth
The Youth Connekt Africa Summit serves as a crucial platform for promoting economic growth through innovative solutions tailored to youth needs. With a focus on skilling and job creation, the summit aims to inspire young leaders to take an active role in shaping Africa’s future.
As the Basotho youth prepare for this significant event, their participation represents not only their individual achievements but also a collective effort to elevate the profile of Lesotho on the African stage. With their insights and innovative ideas, these young leaders are poised to contribute to the ongoing discourse on youth empowerment and economic development in Africa.
The Youth Connekt Africa Summit 2024 promises to be a transformative experience, and the participation of Lesotho’s youth will undoubtedly enhance the summit’s impact, showcasing the potential and creativity of the next generation of leaders in the region.
