The path to sustainable structural transformation in Africa

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The AEC will focus on the theme, Jobs, Entrepreneurship and Capacity Development for African Youth. The African Development Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa consider youth employment and entrepreneurship as prerequisites to sustainable structural transformation in Africa. Governments must duly fulfil their role. Evidence shows that countries with no pragmatic policies to engage the youth have experienced slow or no economic growth.

Global participants to the AEC will discuss the role of African governments to address lack of appropriate training, and youth unemployment that is hindering inclusive and sustained economic growth. Researchers will share perspectives on what makes youth policies effective, and what institutional and regulatory environment governments must pursue to build effective youth capacity. Experiences will be shared on African countries that have put youth at the heart of their strategies and policies.