Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, ex-chairperson of the African Union Commission, has urged African governments to invest adequately in youth skills development to accelerate continental growth.


Ms Dlamini-Zuma, chancellor of the University of Limpopo, South Africa, made the call in an interview in Moscow on Tuesday. She spoke on the sidelines of a high-level meeting of Russia-Africa forum partners ahead of the third Russia-Africa Summit scheduled for Oct. 28 and 29.


Ms Dlamini-Zuma said inadequate investment in youth skills development and capacity building hindered young Africans’ self-reliance and Africa’s overall growth.


“As a teething issue in Africa, capacity building and skilling of young people should continue to be a priority for the AU, and much more for heads of state and governments across Africa. It must also be skilling in areas they would find useful in creating jobs, securing employment and developing the continent,” she said.


On growing youth frustration with leadership and governance, Ms Dlamini-Zuma urged African governments to prioritise dialogue with young people. She said governments should engage young people to understand their aspirations, explore how to meet them and explain what was feasible.


Such interactions were important to address concerns and prevent persistent tensions, she added. On calls for a woman to emerge as the next United Nations secretary-general in the December 2026 election, Ms Dlamini-Zuma said she hoped a woman would occupy the position.


She said women should be allowed to lead the global body, noting that the position had never been occupied by a woman.


“It is men who will vote, because they are the majority and must vote for a woman. The seat has never been occupied by a woman; it is time women hold that position,” she said.


Ms Dlamini-Zuma stressed that promoting women’s leadership should not be women’s sole responsibility, urging men to support the push for greater representation.

(NAN)