Nairobi, Kenya – [29/0/25] — Former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has called for greater empowerment of Africa’s youth and women, alongside financial independence for the African Union (AU), to drive the continent’s progress.
Speaking at the recent High-Level Retreat on the AU’s Institutional Reforms in Nairobi, Mahama stressed the need for inclusive leadership that enables young people and women to take active roles in governance and policymaking.
With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, our future lies firmly in the hands of our young people. We must institutionalise frameworks that enable them and women to lead at all levels of governance, Mahama stated in a message shared via his social media pages.
He described the recent election of Ghana’s first female Vice President as a significant milestone toward inclusive leadership, reaffirming his commitment to amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups in decision-making processes.
Beyond leadership inclusivity, Mahama also emphasized the urgent need for the AU to attain financial autonomy by implementing the Kigali Decision on Financing the Union.
He argued that reducing dependence on external donors would enhance the AU’s ability to set its own agenda and ensure greater accountability and transparency.
We must strive for the AU’s financial autonomy. Implementing the Kigali Decision on Financing the Union can reduce our dependency on external funding, allowing us to set our agenda and focus on accountability, transparency, and real change for the African people, he asserted.
Mahama also extended his appreciation to Kenyan President William Ruto for hosting the retreat and spearheading the AU’s institutional reform process.
The retreat, attended by African leaders and policymakers, focused on strategies to enhance the AU’s efficiency and effectiveness in tackling the continent’s challenges.
Mahama’s call for inclusive governance and financial self-sufficiency resonates with ongoing efforts to strengthen Africa’s position on the global stage.
Story By: Robicon Mornahson
