The Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN) is set to hold its inaugural Pan-African Legacy Conference.
The conference, themed “Shaping Africa’s Future through the AfCFTA and Agenda 2063” is aimed at uniting stakeholders to establish a sustainable development framework for Africa, with a focus on its vibrant youth population.
President of the Association, Farida Yahya, while addressing journalists, said the conference is centred on three objectives – first which is aimed at creating a development blueprint, reflecting on the Fellowship’s achievements over the past decade and envisioning the next 10 years of Africa’s economic growth.
Yahya enumerated that the second is projected to facilitate a productive dialogue with policymakers, fostering closer connections between young entrepreneurs and decision-makers to bridge the gap between the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and youth-driven enterprises.
According to her, the third objective is to promote the Helix Model of Development, which involves uniting government entities, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders to build a cohesive framework for sustainable development.
The event will feature a pitch competition to spotlight innovative ideas from young Africans, a city tour for international delegates, a high-level panel discussion, and the unveiling of an app that will enable young entrepreneurs to trade goods and services across Africa and with U.S. partners.
Others are specialized workshops on open governance, press freedom, healthcare, youth and trade, entrepreneurship, and women’s development, as well as a Hall of Fame induction ceremony recognizing 100 young African change-makers.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima is expected to flag off the conference, while Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, will deliver the keynote address.
Youth Ministers from Ghana and Morocco, along with parliamentarians and delegates from over 25 African nations, will attend.
Commemorating MWFAAN’s 10th anniversary,It is scheduled for November 20-21 in the Nigerian capital, Abuja and will provide a platform for advancing Africa’s socioeconomic progress.