President John Dramani Mahama has urged African youth to become innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers capable of transforming Africa and the Caribbean.
The next chapter of the two regions’ shared future, he said, depends on the vision and leadership of the younger generation.
Speaking during a joint sitting of the Jamaican Parliament as part of his State visit to Jamaica, President John Mahama said young Africans and people of African descent across the diaspora possess unprecedented opportunities to accelerate development through technology, innovation and enterprise.
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“Our youth are the generation that will define the next chapter of our shared history,” President Mahama said.
He noted that today’s young Africans have inherited the courage and resilience of their ancestors while benefiting from access to technology, knowledge, and opportunities that previous generations could only have imagined.
“Our youth have inherited the courage of our ancestors, but they also possess opportunities that our ancestors could scarcely have imagined. Technology has connected our continents. Knowledge has become more accessible than at any time in history. Innovation has created possibilities that previous generations could only have dreamed about,” he said.
As Mahama urges African youth to embrace innovation, he stressed that the future belongs to those who develop solutions, create businesses and strengthen cooperation across borders.
He encouraged young people to pursue bold ideas while maintaining integrity and a commitment to serving their communities.
“Dream boldly, lead with integrity, innovate with purpose, build enterprises that create jobs, use technology to solve problems and serve your communities with compassion. Never doubt your ability to change your country, your continent and the world,” he advised.
President Mahama also said governments have a responsibility to provide the conditions necessary for young people to fulfil their potential through quality education, innovation and inclusive development.
“Our responsibility as leaders is to build societies that match your ambitions, societies founded on quality education, equal opportunity, innovation, democratic governance and shared prosperity,” he stated.
He argued that Africa’s progress in the 21st century depends not only on political freedom but also on intellectual confidence, innovation and economic transformation.
Referencing Jamaican reggae legend Bob Marley, President Mahama said the call to “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery” remains relevant to Africa’s development agenda.
“The liberation of the African mind remains one of the defining tasks of our generation. It demands confidence in our own institutions. It demands belief in our own capabilities and an unwavering commitment to accountability and excellence,” he said.
As Mahama urges African youth to lead the continent’s transformation, he challenged them to see themselves as heirs to a rich civilisation rather than being defined solely by the history of slavery.
“Above all, it requires that our young people see themselves not as descendants of slaves, but as heirs to greatness and architects of an even greater future,” he said.
The President added that Africa’s youthful population, abundant natural resources and expanding innovation ecosystem, together with the Caribbean’s leadership in climate action, democracy and sustainable development, present significant opportunities for deeper cooperation.
He said future Ghana-Jamaica relations should be strengthened through innovation, scientific research, entrepreneurship, digital transformation and collaboration among universities, research institutions and young entrepreneurs to create jobs and improve livelihoods.