Ahead of the World Economic Forum on Africa, the Global Shapers Community have commenced their meeting which brought together about 120
young African leaders from across the continent with the aim of proffering solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges.
The Director, Global Shapers Community, Yemi Babington-Ashaye during his welcome address said by being Shapers, the young Africans have shown their commitment to their communities. He said, “by being here, I want to thank you for your special commitment because for several, this has meant finding your own way here and braving challenges. For others it has meant taking the entire week off to join the World Economic Forum’s Africa meeting”.
In her welcome address, the Curator of the Abuja Global Shapers and the team lead for Shape Africa 2014, Ms. Joycee Awojoodu said, “we are here today as we commence a two day gathering of proffering bold solutions to some of the pressing challenges we face as a continent. We all know what they are and now it is time to shape the solutions, to make declarations and commitments that will further change and create a better Africa.”
“After ‘Shape Africa 2014’, we expect that we would leave this forum charged, more inspired, more empowered and ready to actualize the solutions we have put to paper. It is not just about words, it is about actions. What we would love to hear about after this forum is new projects being birthed, more cross collaboration initiatives between hubs, an education project originated by Harare hub being implemented in Rabat, hubs across countries working together on a national project”, she said.
According to Awojoodu, ‘the Global Shapers Community has proved time and again that we have the dedication, drive and appetite to reach new levels and the commitment to challenge policies that affect us’. She added that they are political leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, farmers, advocates, researchers, and are unified in their passion for our beloved Continent and our belief in change.”
Awojoodu further called on Shapers to be bold, and to change their thinking so they can get results. “Let’s proffer bold solutions in agriculture, entrepreneurship, education and technology. Shapers let us take charge, and shape Africa” she concluded.