Chukwuka Urges Youth Preparation, Patience and Economic Responsibility for National Growth

Daniel Koussou Chukwuka, Ambassador for the African Union Special Envoy on Oil and Gas Continental, has called for stronger investment in youth preparation, patience and practical participation as countries pursue long-term economic growth.

Chukwuka made the call while speaking on the role of young people in national development, saying youth populations remain the biggest demographic force in many countries, especially in Africa. He said that although young people are often described as “leaders of tomorrow,” they are already shaping economic and social outcomes today and should be supported accordingly.

He said real participation must be built on education, employable skills and civic responsibility, rather than slogans. According to him, youthful energy alone is not enough to drive growth when unemployment, weak institutions and limited opportunities continue to block progress.

“Young people represent the promise of the future, but they are also drivers of change today. However, effective participation requires education, skills, opportunities and a commitment to service,” Chukwuka said.

He cited global labour figures to show the scale of the challenge. He said the number of unemployed youths aged 15 to 24 was estimated at about 66.9 million in 2025, while around 13 per cent of the global youth labour force, roughly 64.9 million people, was unemployed in 2023.

Chukwuka added that broader indicators paint an even harder picture. About 20 per cent of young people worldwide are classified as NEET, meaning they are not in employment, education or training. He also noted a gender imbalance in the same category, saying young women are about twice as likely as young men to fall into NEET status.

He said only about 35 per cent of young people globally were in employment in 2023, and in several developing regions the strain is sharper, with up to 60 per cent of youths either unemployed, out of school or trapped in insecure work.

For Nigeria and the wider continent, Chukwuka said the implications are immediate. He said Africa’s youthful demography can become a source of sustained productivity if governments and institutions make serious commitments to training, mentorship and job creation.

He pointed to data showing that around 75 per cent of Africa’s population is under 35, while surveys in Nigeria indicate that roughly 24 per cent of people aged 18 to 35 are actively looking for work but remain unemployed.

According to him, those numbers should be treated as both a warning and an opportunity. He said countries that build strong systems for leadership development and economic inclusion can convert youth potential into measurable gains in entrepreneurship, governance and social stability.

“If nations invest in their young people, they can convert youthful energy into economic productivity and social stability,” he said.

Chukwuka stressed that national development is gradual and requires consistent policy direction. He said progress depends on cooperation among youth, policymakers, educators, private sector actors and communities. He argued that preparation should include critical thinking, ethics, and technical competence, while patience is needed because youth-focused programmes often take time before outcomes become visible.

He also warned against symbolic engagement that gives young people visibility without responsibility. In his view, meaningful contribution should be the standard: young people should build businesses, create solutions, support local causes and participate in policy conversations that affect their future.

He said this form of participation strengthens institutions and produces a culture of service. He added that when youths are equipped to lead and contribute, they also inspire wider confidence in public life.

“As an ambassador and thought leader, I affirm that the development of our nations depends largely on how we prepare tomorrow’s leaders today,” Chukwuka said.

He called on governments, institutions and communities to align around youth empowerment so that Africa and other developing regions can fully use the creativity, energy and leadership capacity of their young populations.