LEAP Africa has called on governments, investors and private sector stakeholders to increase investment, strengthen policy frameworks and deepen collaboration to support youth-led businesses and drive economic growth across Africa.
The organisation made the appeal during the 13th edition of its Social Innovators Programme and Awards (SIPA), which brought together more than 200 young social entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers and business leaders in Lagos.
The event, themed “Africa as the Sector: Maximising Youth Agency for a Prosperous Africa – Leveraging Technology, Finance and Policy,” focused on addressing challenges limiting the expansion of innovative businesses across the continent. It also provided opportunities for young entrepreneurs to connect with investors, establish partnerships and access new markets.
LEAP Africa noted that Africa’s youth population is expected to surpass 830 million by 2050, highlighting the importance of creating an environment that allows young people to transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses, employment opportunities and long-term economic value.
Speaking at the event, the organisation’s Executive Director, Mrs Kehinde Ayeni, called for a shift in how youth entrepreneurship is recognised and supported in Africa’s economic development plans.
She observed that although young entrepreneurs are already developing businesses that address pressing market and social challenges, limited access to funding, markets and supportive policies continues to restrict their growth.
Ayeni emphasised that youth-led enterprises should be recognised as important contributors to economic development rather than merely recipients of development support.
In her keynote address, Mastercard Foundation’s Country Director for Nigeria, Rosy Fynn, said Africa’s prosperity would depend not only on its growing youth population but also on the opportunities available to young people to contribute meaningfully to economic development.
She called for financing models that reflect the actual needs of entrepreneurs and urged stakeholders to work together in creating policies and partnerships that support business growth.
Also speaking, the Founder and Managing Director of JNC International and Chair of LEAP Africa’s Board, Clare Omatseye, stressed that growing social enterprises requires more than initial financial support.
She highlighted the need for stronger institutions, sustainable funding structures and policies that would enable innovative businesses to compete, expand and create lasting social and economic impact.
Source:Punch
