The former Vice President of Nigeria and Co-Founder of Future Perspectives, H.E. Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has urged African youth to take ownership of the continent’s economic future, highlighting the need to rethink global funding models.
The remarks were made at the West African Youth Symposium, organized by Future Perspectives in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education* on Friday, 13 March 2026, at the Miatta Civic Center, Youyi Building. The event brought together Professor Osinbajo, government officials, and 100 young Sierra Leoneans to explore the question: Who will own Africa’s next economy?
Professor Osinbajo warned of Africa’s “climate paradox,” noting that although the continent contributes the least to global emissions just 9.4 gigatons it remains the worst affected and least prepared for climate impacts. He cautioned that if Africa industrializes in the same manner as Europe and the Americas, by 2050 it could account for 75% of global emissions, undermining global efforts to achieve net zero.
He highlighted Africa’s potential, including over 60% of the world’s renewable energy resources, positioning the continent to become the first green industrial civilization. However, he stressed that this requires significant shifts in funding and open markets for African green products. Professor Osinbajo also criticized development funds for prioritizing risk avoidance over creating opportunities, urging stronger African intermediary organizations to efficiently channel small grants to local innovators.
The Director of Civic Education at the Ministry, Timothy Sam, described the symposium as a “civic moment” linking youth leadership with civic responsibility. He outlined how Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term Development Plan aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals through six pillars: Love Salone, Feed Salone, Clean Salone, Digital Salone, Heal Salone, and Salone for We All.
Sam challenged youth to be creators, not just consumers, of innovation, urging them to build Africa’s industries, protect democracy, and hold governments accountable for climate action. He emphasized that Africa’s transformation must come from its own young people.
Co-Founder of Future Perspectives, Abby Asekum, highlighted the organization’s mission to drive transformational change through youth-led innovation, climate action, and education. She announced the extension of Future Perspectives’ programs to Sierra Leone, including the Jim Leach MasterCard Foundation project in partnership with Canada’s Punish University, aimed at training African youth in entrepreneurship, mentorship, and network-building.
“While Africa has the lowest greenhouse gas emissions, we face the most climate trauma in our communities. Young people must understand climate change is real and hold governments accountable,” she said.
Asekum also acknowledged the support of the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, and his ministry in organizing the event, which attracted participants from across Sierra Leone.