Pan-African leader calls for unity, youth empowerment and economic transformation
From left; Ambassador Eugene Kavune Nzabonimba, Ambassador Mary Wahogo and CDE Samora at The Edge Convention Centre yesterday. Photo/Courtesy.
By WMW
African leaders have been urged to strengthen continental unity, invest in young people and accelerate economic transformation to secure Africa’s future in an increasingly competitive global environment.
Speaking during an interview on the sidelines of the Africa Liberation Day celebrations at the Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi, Ambassador Eugene Kavune Nzabonimba said Africa possesses enormous potential but must overcome division, conflict and dependency to fully realise its destiny.
Nzabonimba, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Union for Peace and Development (GUPD), described Africa as a continent defined by strength rather than weakness.
He said the continent is endowed with abundant natural resources, rich cultural and spiritual heritage, intellectual capacity, technological potential and the world’s youngest population.
“Africa is not rising — it has already risen. What remains is the full realization of its destiny,” he said.
The Pan-African leader, however, acknowledged that the continent continues to face serious challenges, including armed conflicts, political instability, corruption, youth unemployment, poverty, weak institutions and dependency on external systems.
“These challenges are not signs of failure. They are calls for transformation,” he said, adding that African governments and institutions must strengthen accountability, governance and inclusive development mechanisms.
Nzabonimba stressed that no African nation could fully succeed in isolation, calling for stronger continental integration, regional cooperation and expanded intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
“A divided Africa is vulnerable. A united Africa is unstoppable,” he said.
He urged African leaders to move away from fragmentation and dependency and instead embrace collaboration, shared security frameworks and collective economic strength.
On peace and security, Nzabonimba called for stronger African-led conflict prevention systems, peacekeeping operations, mediation initiatives and post-conflict rehabilitation programmes.
He noted that lasting development could only thrive in peaceful and stable societies.
“Where there is peace, development follows. Where there is war, progress collapses,” he said.
The GUPD founder who was accompanied by among other, the organization Programs director Ambassador Mary Wahogo also placed strong emphasis on youth empowerment, describing young people as Africa’s greatest resource.
He called for increased investment in education, digital transformation, technical and vocational training, entrepreneurship and leadership development programmes to unlock the continent’s human capital.
“If we fail our youth, we fail Africa’s future. If we empower them, we secure Africa’s destiny,” he said.
He further urged African governments to empower women, protect children and place human dignity at the centre of development policies.
On economic transformation, Nzabonimba challenged African countries to shift from exporting raw materials to building value-driven economies through industrialisation, agricultural modernisation, renewable energy development and digital innovation.
He also called for strategic investment partnerships that prioritise African interests and sustainable development.
As part of its commitment to continental development, Nzabonimba said GUPD would continue supporting peacebuilding, humanitarian response, youth leadership, education, human rights advocacy, diplomacy and sustainable investment initiatives across Africa.
He concluded by urging African leaders and citizens to reject corruption, hatred, violence and complacency while embracing unity, integrity, justice, innovation and cooperation.
“The destiny of Africa is in African hands, and history is calling us to rise to our highest responsibility,” he said.
The Africa Liberation Day celebrations brought together diplomats, civil society actors, youth leaders and Pan-African advocates to reflect on Africa’s progress and future direction.
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