As part of his global speaking tour, renowned Liberian activist Kimmie Weeks addressed the opening plenary of the NEXUS Global Summit in New York, challenging global leaders to intensify their efforts in promoting progress and development in Africa, with a particular focus on Liberia.
In a speech that captivated and inspired the audience, Weeks shared his harrowing experiences of surviving the Liberian Civil War.
He used his story as a testament to the resilience and enduring hope of the African people. “Despite all of the problems and challenges Africans have endured, wherever I go, I continue to see remarkable hope and enduring resilience,” Weeks stated.
Weeks passionately urged the international community to shift their focus from aid to investment.
“People have asked me why I am trying to build computer labs and provide digital literacy instead of food handouts,” he said. “My response has been that Africa cannot, and must not, continue to depend on handouts. Give Africa the tools and the technology, and Africans themselves will lift Africa out of extreme poverty.”
He criticized the historical exploitation of Africa by the West, highlighting the lasting impacts of slavery, colonization, and what he termed “neocolonization”, where Africa’s wealth is being siphoned off with minimal benefit to its people. “Africa has built the world; now it is time that we allow Africa to build itself,” Weeks declared.
The NEXUS Global Summit, a prestigious gathering that brings together over 600 young philanthropists, impact investors, and social innovators from more than 70 countries, served as the perfect backdrop for Weeks’ powerful message.
The summit’s participants are committed to leveraging their resources and influence to address the world’s most pressing challenges, making it a significant platform for Weeks’ call to action.
Weeks also addressed the pervasive issue of corruption in Africa, emphasizing the need for substantial investments in educational programs aimed at reshaping the mindset of African youth towards corruption.
“Corruption has become so embedded in society that it needs to be addressed at the level of the next generation with tailored programs from as early as primary school,” he noted.
The NEXUS summit, known for fostering collaborative efforts among next-generation wealth holders and social innovators, provided an ideal environment for Weeks to highlight the critical need for capital investment in Africa.
He argued that these investments should not only target infrastructure and economic growth but also focus on social programs that cultivate a new generation of leaders equipped to tackle corruption and drive sustainable development.
