The 2nd Annual Youth Connekt Summit, Themed ‘Connekting Youth for Continental Transformation’

Nathan Ernest Olupot September 12, 2018

1 minute read

H.E President of Rwanda; Paul Kagame (Left) shares a moment with Alibaba Group Executive Chairman; Jack Ma (Right) at the first annual Youth Connekt Summit in Kigali, Rwanda at the Kigali Convention Centre. (Photo Courtesy: Youth Connekt Flickr page)

Rwanda will once again host another Youth Connekt Summit from October 8th to 10th, 2018 at the Kigali Convention Centre. Themed ‘Connekting Youth for Continental Transformation’ it will focus on the youth’s role and gains from the recently signed ACFTA that has put cross-border trade at the forefront of the African development agenda.

Hosted by the Government of Rwanda, in partnership with UNDP, African Union, and African Development Fund (ADF), the event will attract delegates, government leaders, world business leaders, academics, leaders of civil society organizations, development partners, media partners, youth entrepreneurs from across the continent.

Following last year’s success, this year’s event is said to be bolder, bigger, and impact full as it is set to launch the YouthConnekt Hub, and YouthConnekt Empowerment Fund.

There was no mention/comment of who might be the Key guests at the event asides from the President of Rwanda, H.E Paul Kagame. At the inaugural summit graced likes of Alibaba Executive Chairman & Former Chief Executive, Jack Ma, Impact Investor & Founder Akon Lighting Africa; Aliaume Damala Badara Akon Thiam, Akinwumi Adesina; President Africa Development Bank, and Tony O. Elumelu; Founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation.

Jack Ma on behalf of Alibaba Group committed to setup a USD$10 million fund for Africa’s entrepreneurs, as well as training up-to 200 young entrepreneurs at the Alibaba Headquarters in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China in the fields of eCommerce, Artificial Intelligence (A.I), and The Internet.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at the event will launch the YouthMobile Hackathon. UNESCO initiative that leverages computer science education and the widespread availability of mobile phones to empower its students. The students are introduced to coding as both a resource to solve local issues and as a tool to develop complex learning skills.

Meanwhile, some of the sessions that will be covered include; How to become an effective leader in your business, JobConnekt Masterclass & GigKorner Experience, Building & Sustaining the Connekted Innovators Network, Leadership & Politics for Women, to mention a few.

The summit looks at over coming barriers such as; lack of trade facilitation, Inadequate border infrastructure, limited access to finance, limited market information, corruption and insecurity, limited knowledge, education, and business management skills.

Youth Connekt Africa mentions that its five (5) key goals of the summit are; create over 10 million jobs for youth, empower youth with skills, nurture young leaders, connect over 100 million young Africans, and close the gender gap which currently stands at 66% male and 34% female.

To attend, (FOLLOW THE LINK) for registration.