President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has stressed that Africa’s growing youth population is a major economic opportunity—if properly invested in. He argued that young people don’t need token empowerment schemes or handouts, but real capital to grow their ideas and build lasting businesses.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, Adesina said the widespread migration of young Africans—often referred to as the Japa syndrome—is a major loss for the continent. He warned that failing to support young people could turn Africa’s demographic strength into a missed opportunity.
“Our youth have talent, skills, and entrepreneurial drive,” he said. “What they need is financing, not freebies.”
Adesina noted that Africa has over 465 million people between the ages of 15 and 35, but its financial systems are not designed to support them. He said the commercial banking sector has failed young entrepreneurs and urged governments and institutions to change course.
To address this, the AfDB has established a Youth Entrepreneurship Development Bank and recently approved $100 million for a Nigerian Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank, aiming to attract $2 billion in investments for over 38,000 youth-led businesses.
Adesina concluded by emphasizing that investing in young people is essential for future tax generation, capital growth, and long-term prosperity in Africa.
