The Namibian Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, Emma Theofelus has called on the African youth to lead the continent’s economic emancipation agenda.
She entreated them to train in politics and entrepreneurship, both institutions she identified as having distinctive roles to play in achieving the agenda.
She counseled the youth to endeavor to tailor programmes and policies to promote entrepreneurship to drive industrialization when they attain political leadership positions.
She said this when delivering the keynote address at the Second Volta Young Entrepreneurs Summit in Ho.
Miss Theofelus said this when delivering the keynote address at the Second Volta Young Entrepreneurs Summit in the Volta Regional capital of Ho.
“For a young continent like ours, we need young entrepreneurs, we need young entrepreneurs to carry the economies of our country, but we also need young thought leaders to ensure that economic emancipation does happen.
As a politician myself, there must be some knowledge and understanding to know how we can break those bottlenecks so that our entrepreneurs have the ability to run their businesses properly”, she said.
She, therefore, implored established politicians and entrepreneurs to mentor the young ones to complement efforts in attaining economic emancipation.
She indicated that micro, small, and medium-scale industry plays significant roles in growing the economy hence the need to introduce policies focused on nurturing the younger generation in entrepreneurship, both at home and school.
Miss Theofelus lauded African leaders who introduced the African Continental Free Trade Area, describing the initiative as a leap toward economic emancipation.
“I do believe that AfCTA is a revolutionary tool. I do believe that although Africa is politically free, it means nothing if the economy does not work for Africa, is not by Africans, and is not for Africans.
It is not beneficial to any of us. Right now, for the future of our children, our grandchildren, and the generational mandate that we have as young people in politics, in entrepreneurship, if we cannot truly reap the benefits of AfCTA”, she said.
The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa shared a practical example of what worked for him when he resigned from the Ghana Health Service to start his business empire, with 8 staff.
He said his businesses which include hospitality and health services, and a merchant dealership have grown and now employ over 300 staff.
He advised the youth to start their business on a small scale and should not identify their backgrounds as stumbling blocks.
“So you start small and by the grace of God and by hard work and integrity, it will grow. So one of the establishments that came out of the small thing is where you are having the meeting this morning [Sky Plus Hotel]”, he said.
The Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Caveman Watches, Anthony Dzamefe entreated the youth to focus on industrializing their specialty when embarking on the entrepreneurial journey.
“I do believe that everybody has an ability. What is very important for us to to find a way to industrialize everybody’s talent. We all have something unique, the challenge is for people to find a way to industrialize what they are good at”, he stressed.
He recounted that he unknowingly picked “concepts of entrepreneurship” during his early days when he used to help his mum at the shop, after school.
Mr. Dzamefe, therefore, implored parents to make conscious efforts to train their children in basic entrepreneurship skills, while urging the youth to leverage technology to promote their brands.
The second Volta Young Entrepreneurs Summit was institutionalized as part of the Volta Trade and Investment Fair to nurture young people in entrepreneurship and enable network with their peers and role models.
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