African Union 2063 Agenda: Amb. Young Piero Prepares African Youth with Great initiatives in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa –
Ambassador Young Peru: Advocating for Policy and Innovation
Ambassador Young Piero is a prominent diplomat working on the African Union’s Agenda 2063 initiative has created novel initiatives for the African youth aimed at preparing them for the future.
Serving as the Africa Coordinator and Director of Parliament for the Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific joint session, Ambassador Piero organised a
emphasizes the need for Africa’s youth to look inward for development opportunities. “When we look inward, we can find resources we thought we did not have,” he says.
Africa is home to a wealth of resources and youthful potential, yet challenges like food insecurity and dependency on imports persist. According to a recent African Union report, Africa holds 60% of the world’s arable land but only produces 10% of global agricultural output. With nearly 70% of the population dependent on agriculture, the continent faces a paradox: vast potential in the agricultural sector remains untapped, while skilled youth often seek opportunities abroad.
A Vision for Change: Dr. Bernard Kaskate’s Call to Action
One young leader committed to shifting this narrative is Dr. Bernard Kaskate, CEO of the popular Gohori Resort in Mutoko, Zimbabwe, and a recipient of the prestigious Young African Ambassadors award. Kaskate’s own journey—overcoming years of personal and professional struggles—reflects the resilience he believes Africa’s youth must embrace. For Kaskate, the answer to Africa’s food and economic independence lies in agriculture. “The youth must take off their suits and put on work clothes,” he asserts. “The Africa that the youth wants is within reach.”
Kaskate’s vision highlights a critical issue: while many young Africans pursue office jobs or seek opportunities abroad, the continent’s agricultural resources remain underutilized. By working the land, he argues, African youth can lead the charge toward self-sufficiency and stability. His own experience demonstrates this belief; after receiving land from his government, he worked tirelessly and took financial risks to build his success. Now, Kaskate is a leading voice, urging his peers to “wake up” and use Africa’s resources to create the future they desire.
He also sees technology as a key avenue for Africa’s growth, especially as young Africans make strides in fields like artificial intelligence. However, Ambassador Peru warns that the potential for transformation depends on policies that promote innovation and support local talent. “Our problems are not the West or China; our problem is the belief that we cannot change ourselves,” he stresses.
One of Ambassador Peru’s calls to action is to encourage African innovators abroad to return home, a move he believes would accelerate the continent’s development. According to him, governments should actively support these innovators, recognizing and investing in young African talent—from students to professionals—as they build solutions for Africa’s future.
Conclusion
With leaders like Dr. Bernard Kaskate and Ambassador Young Peru inspiring change, Africa’s youth are at the forefront of a movement toward self-sufficiency and innovation. Their message is clear: the Africa that the youth desire is within reach, but it will require courage, hard work, and a shift in mindset. By leveraging Africa’s agricultural and technological resources and developing policies that foster growth, the continent can pave the way for a brighter future.
