YOUNG Africans and people of African descent across the diaspora must endeavour to become innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers capable of shaping the next chapter of the African continent and the Caribbean’s development, President John Dramani Mahama has urged.

He observed that the younger generation of Africa and people of African descent possessed the needed opportunities to transform Africa and the Caribbean through technology, innovation and enterprise.

“Our youth are the generation that will define the next chapter of our shared history,” President Mahama emphasised when he addressed a joint sitting of the Jamaican Parliament during his State visit to that country.

In his view, today’s young African and people of African descent had inherited the courage and resilience of their forebears, coupled with access to opportunities that were never available to previous generations of the black race.

“Our youth have inherited the courage of our ancestors, but they also possess opportunities that our ancestors could scarcely have imagined. Technology has connected our continents. Knowledge has become more accessible than at any time in history. Innovation has created possibilities that previous generations could only have dreamed about,” he said.

Urging them to embrace technology to drive creativity, he stressed that the future belonged to those who create solutions, embrace innovation and build bridges across nations and cultures.

President Mahama (middle) addressing addressing a joint sitting of the Jamaican Parliament

“Dream boldly, lead with integrity, innovate with purpose, build enterprises that create jobs, use technology to solve problems and serve your communities with compassion. Never doubt your ability to change your country, your continent and the world,” he advised.

Governments, on the other hand, President Mahama noted, have a responsibility to create the enabling environment that makes it possible for young people to realise their potentials.

“Our responsibility as leaders is to build societies that match your ambitions, societies founded on quality education, equal opportunity, innovation, democratic governance and shared prosperity,” he said.

The liberation of Africa in the 21st century, the President noted, depended not only on political freedom but also on intellectual confidence, innovation and economic transformation.

He said as Jamaican reggae icon, Bob Marley said “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery,” it remains the duty of the young generation to do so.

“The liberation of the African mind remains one of the defining tasks of our generation. It demands confidence in our own institutions. It demands belief in our own capabilities and an unwavering commitment to accountability and excellence,” he added.

He challenged the young generation of African and people of African descent to see themselves as the heir to a rich civilisation rather than descendants defined solely by the painful history of slavery.

“Above all, it requires that our young people see themselves not as descendants of slaves, but as heirs to greatness and architects of an even greater future,” he stated.

Mr Mahama stated that Africa’s youthful population, abundant natural resources and growing innovation ecosystem, together with the Caribbean’s leadership in climate action, democracy and sustainable development, presented a unique opportunity for stronger cooperation.

In that regard, he said the partnership between Africa and the Caribbean must be driven by innovation, scientific advancement, entrepreneurship and digital transformation to create jobs and improve livelihoods.

He also encouraged greater collaboration among universities, research institutions and young entrepreneurs, saying innovation should become a central pillar of Ghana-Jamaica relations.