EAC Commonwealth Youth Symposium 2024
The East Africa Community (EAC) secretariat hosted EAC Commonwealth Youth Symposium 2024 from 4th to 5th July at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha. The symposium that is organised by East Africa Community and supported by the Commonwealth Youth program brought together young leaders from across the East Africa region to engage in dynamic discussions, capacity building and policy development focusing on the role of youth in sustainable and inclusive development. It included the participation of young leaders, policy makers and experts from a wide spectrum of background and experiences representing Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, Congo DRC and Uganda. The theme of the symposium is “Leaders of Today? Empowering East African Youth in Governance and Sustainable Development”
DSW Youth at the symposium
DSW Tanzania Youth Leaders were invited in the symposium and engaged in the sessions that included: The role of Youth in Strengthening Cross-Regional Partnerships, Youth Leadership, Governance and Engagement, Technology and Innovation and Economic Participation of Youth.DSW Tanzania Youth Leaders, emphasized awareness creation on existing EAC Policies to youth for better implementation, they also advocated for more focused programing on youth health specifically Reproductive Health Education (RHE) and Mental Health. They requested for more advanced trainings to support youth on digital literacy, Online protection, Artificial Intelligence and inclusion of these in partner state curriculum.
DSW Youth at the symposium
Final deliberations were shared with EAC secretariat officials and East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) representatives.
DSW Youth on the sidelines with one of the EAC delegates
DSW Youth at the symposium
what is the possible way of helping the unemployed youths in EA since majority of them are just moving in street yet they are the leaders we are looking for
Thank you for your important question. Addressing youth unemployment in East Africa requires a multi-faceted approach that includes skills development, entrepreneurship support, and policy engagement.
Skills Development – Equipping young people with practical and digital skills that match market demands can increase their employability. Vocational training, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs are essential.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation – Supporting youth-led businesses through funding, incubation programs, and networking opportunities can create sustainable livelihoods.
Policy & Advocacy – Governments and stakeholders must prioritize youth-inclusive policies, ensure access to funding, and create environments that encourage job creation.
Community Engagement – Encouraging initiatives like youth cooperatives, volunteer programs, and leadership training can empower young people to take an active role in economic development.
We believe that young people are the key to East Africa’s future. Through collaborative efforts, we can unlock opportunities and create a thriving generation of leaders.
What are your thoughts on the most effective solutions?