Africa Holds Greatest Reservoir Of Youthful Energy Globally, Says Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged Africans to unlock new pathways for young people to thrive, saying the continent holds the most significant reservoir of youthful energy, talents and potential anywhere in the world.

The governor said taking an audacious move would drive entrepreneurship as a tool for economic empowerment and position Africa as a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

According to him, it is high time Africa reformed higher education to make it more entrepreneurial and relevant to the rapidly evolving realities of the 21st century.

He noted, “The transformation we seek is not an abstract ideal; it is real, a call to action, and urgent. A call to harness our collective resources, talents, and networks to create real opportunities for millions across Africa.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke while delivering his keynote address at the official launch of the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET) at the University of the West of England, Bristol.

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In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gbeyega Akosile, the governorsaid CASET stands as a beacon of bold and bright promise. With collective effort, its impact will be felt across Africa and beyond. He promised, “Lagos State will be a willing and committed partner, and we will do our best to help forge additional partnerships.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu, therefore, called on all academics, policymakers, business leaders, development partners, and friends of Africa to see CASET as a timely rallying point and a platform where stakeholders can join hands to turn ideas into action and action into lasting transformation.

Sanwo-Olu, who is the patron of CASET, which stands as a beacon of Africa’s aspirations and the enduring partnership between the continent and the global community, said the continent, which is home to 1.4 billion people, with over 60 per cent under the age of 25, holds the most significant reservoir of youthful energy, talent, and potential anywhere in the world.

He said Lagos State, which he has been privileged to lead as elected Governor since 2019, “embodies a megacity minting some of the most exciting artists and creatives in the world today, while also asserting itself as a global startup ecosystem, home to several unicorn companies.”

Harping on the importance of CASET to Africa, Governor Sanwo-Olu said, “CASET is more than just a centre; it is a movement and a mobilising force. It is a movement to foster collaborative research, build institutional capacity, and solve pressing problems, and a mobilising force to promote cross-border partnerships that place African voices and leadership at the centre of shaping our shared future.’’