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Empowering Africa's future: Insights from the Youth Connekt Africa Summit 2024
Daniel Shirima, Founder of Jenga Lives Community Based-Organization and Peace Pulse Network, from Kenya, is among the youth who attended the in Kigali. He shared his experience and insights from the gathering.
Attending the Summit was truly a memorable experience that left a lasting mark on me. From engaging discussions, impactful sessions, and unexpected networking opportunities, this summit gave me a new perspective on youth empowerment across the continent. Here is a breakdown of how the days went and the incredible connections I made that will benefit not just me, but my community back home.
How can finance for rural youth be improved?
One of the most eye-opening sessions I joined was a high-level ministerial round table meeting focused on financing for rural youth. This topic resonated deeply with me, given the hurdles youth in informal settlements face when it comes to accessing financial resources. I shared some ideas on how we could look beyond just loans to help young entrepreneurs in rural and underserved areas. I highlighted the potential in small-scale investors and angel networks as alternative funding sources – networks that aren’t bound by the traditional banking structures and could offer more flexibility and trust. I also spoke about the fear of failure that haunts many young people who want to start their own ventures but feel that the risks are too high. To tackle this, we discussed practical ways to build financial literacy and create a support system that’s accessible to all youth, regardless of where they come from.
What role does storytelling play in African unity?
One of the standout moments was the UN Volunteers session, where we launched the book 54 Faces of Africa. This publication, filled with stories from every African country, speaks directly to my passion for storytelling as a powerful tool for peace and unity. I had the chance to talk about what it feels like to be an African coming from an informal settlement and the unique perspectives that come from that background. I emphasized the importance of giving young people from all walks of life, especially those from underserved areas, the chance to tell their own stories. The session reminded me of why we need to continue amplifying African voices in every space possible.
How can youth leverage digital skills and online platforms?
Another highlight was attending a masterclass on remote work and digital entrepreneurship, which gave me new insights into how youth can leverage online platforms to find work, create businesses, and grow their networks. I had a 20-minute slot to facilitate a session where I shared my experience as a digital creator. The discussion focused on how we can use online spaces not just for employment but as tools to boost skills, confidence, and visibility. From this, I’ve decided to bring back what I learned and organize workshops for my team, where we can dive into the practical skills needed to take advantage of these digital opportunities.
What did I learn about leading, learning, and growing?
Throughout the summit, I was actively creating content on social media, capturing the energy and diversity of ideas we were exchanging. Each day, I shared at least three posts, tagging UNESCO and YEEP Africa, and the response was beyond my expectations. One video I posted on Facebook, where youth from different countries shared what a peaceful world looks like to them, has over 1,600 views, with hundreds of comments, likes, and shares. I even collaborated with the media team to create a fun, unifying song that we recorded together as a group of young leaders on the last day. These moments of connection with fellow African youth are ones I’ll always cherish.
What opportunities for networking and partnerships emerged?
This summit was also a chance to connect with organizations that are eager to expand their programs in Kenya, like Gold Youth and Catholic Relief Services (CRS). I spent time with their teams discussing how we can work together to bring mentorship and entrepreneurship programs to our communities. I’m looking forward to building on these connections, as they hold potential for real, long-term impact.
How can media promote peace and non-violence?
I didn’t miss the opportunity to talk about my non-violence training sessions and the radio dramas I’ve been producing over the years. These programs aim to build empathy, resilience, and conflict resolution skills within my community. The dramas, in particular, have become a unique way to reach young people, helping them relate to the importance of peace and unity through stories that feel real and close to home. I shared this as an example of how media can be a powerful tool for positive change, even in communities facing economic or social challenges.
What was it like to MC at the Summit?
With all the engagement and energy I brought, I was given the opportunity to MC two side events, which was a big highlight. The feedback was so positive that the officials even mentioned recommending me for next year’s event. If there’s a way to follow up on this, I would love the chance to continue contributing in future summits, representing my community on bigger stages.
How will you apply what you’ve learned moving forward?
Leaving Kigali, I felt more motivated than ever to bring these experiences back to my team and community. This summit reminded me of the critical need for more skills training, mentorship, and storytelling platforms for youth in informal settlements. I now see how digital platforms can serve as a tool for dialogue and peacebuilding, opening doors in ways that traditional methods cannot. Going forward, I’ll be focusing on:
- Launching digital skills workshops to empower my team.
- Using digital platforms to create dialogues around social issues affecting youth.
- Exploring partnerships with the new connections I’ve made, to see how we can bring their programmes into our communities.
What are your final thoughts on the Summit?
The Youth Connekt Africa Summit 2024 was truly a unique experience, and it’s hard to sum up everything I learned and felt. Kigali itself was beautiful, and the friendships I made with young people from across the continent are ones I’ll carry with me. I hope to bring these learnings to new levels, building a stronger, more connected community that’s ready to embrace the future with open minds and hearts. Thank you to everyone who made this possible, especially the YEEP Africa and UNESCO teams (If there is a way I can join these networks I will really be humbled and happy). I’m looking forward to what we can build together from here.
