Speaking on the Forum’s theme for this year “Financing Africa’s Future: Jobs, Innovations for Sustainable Transformation,” President Taye highlighted Africa’s demographic potential, noting that over 70% of the continent’s population is under 30. The President said that while 362 million youth will enter the working-age population this decade, the current job market can absorb only 151 million, emphasizing the need to convert Africa’s youth into productive capital and scalable enterprises. Highlighting Ethiopia’s achievements, President Taye said that in the first half of the country’s 10-year development roadmap, 14.1 million young people were employed, with 84% through youth-led entrepreneurship. Harmonization and Continental Integration – President Taye urged alignment of national startup and MSME policies with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He also called on all stakeholders to commit to Africa’s growth and youth empowerment, officially declaring the forum open.

Source: Ethiopian News February 16, 2026 17:44 UTC