SEVILLE, Spain – Liberia Ambassador to France and Portugal says Africa’s youth—representing the world’s fastest-growing and youngest population—are not a challenge to be managed, but an asset to be empowered.
Ambassador Dr. Teeko Tozay Yorlay, Sr., made the comments when he served as honorary Guest Speaker at the United Nations’ Fourth Financing for Development (FFD4) Side Event held in Seville, Spain.
“Our youth are not just a statistic; they are the leaders, creators, and innovators of today,” Ambassador Yorlay said. “From agriculture and technology to peacebuilding and entrepreneurship, young people are already driving change. It is time for us to equip them not only with resources but also with policies and systems that allow them to thrive.”
Themed “Youth-Driven Capital: Unlocking Innovative Financing for Africa’s Green and Digital Future”, the forum brought together youth leaders, policymakers, development partners, and global advocates to explore the role of Africa’s youth in driving sustainable development and transformation.
Citing data that more than 70% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population is under the age of 30, Ambassador Yorlay underscored the urgency of investing in youth-led innovation. He identified key barriers young people face—including limited access to finance, high unemployment, the digital divide, and the climate crisis—and called for bold policy reforms and targeted investments to unlock their full potential.
Drawing from his experience as the First Deputy Speaker of the Mano River Union Youth Parliament in Liberia, Ambassador Yorlay shared how, under his leadership, the Parliament expanded from just four members to 30 vibrant representatives across all 15 political subdivisions of Liberia. He also reflected on his work in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he supported youth-led peacebuilding initiatives aimed at strengthening civic engagement and social cohesion in post-conflict communities.
Ambassador Yorlay highlighted the strategic importance of investing in sectors such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and digital literacy to drive Africa’s green and digital transitions. He urged stakeholders to prioritize inclusive financing, mentorship, and training programs—particularly for young entrepreneurs in rural and underserved regions.
“The financing gap for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is projected to reach $6.4 trillion by 2030,” he noted. “We cannot afford to leave Africa’s youth out of these critical efforts. This is a call to action for governments, businesses, and international partners to center youth in development financing.”
He expressed strong support for the African Union’s proposed Decade of Accelerated Action (2025–2035), aimed at boosting skills development, innovation, and youth inclusion across the continent. Ambassador Yorlay also called for reforms to policy frameworks to make them more responsive to youth-led initiatives, especially those addressing climate change and technological advancement.
“We must redefine capital,” he concluded. “It’s not just about money—it’s about trust, opportunity, and the belief that Africa’s youth can and will shape the future.”
Ambassador Yorlay’s remarks align with the objectives of the Youth Financing Framework and the Sevilla Accord on Youth Financing for Development, both of which aim to mobilize resources and support for youth-led projects across Africa. He urged the African Union and its partners to ensure these frameworks evolve into concrete, sustainable policies with long-term impact.
He ended his address with an empowering message to young people: “You are not waiting to become leaders—you already are. As you lead the way, we must ensure you have the tools, resources, and support to succeed. The future is already here, and it is green, digital, and in your hands.”
