US President Barack Obama/ Photo © L'Avenir

Barack Obama’s Forum promote innovative strategies towards poverty alleviation in Africa. Three Cameroon youths ( Abdoulay Abdourazack-President of the National Youth Council, Marie Tamoifo Nkom, and Sanyi Emmanuel) were among some 115 young African leaders that met U.S President Barack Obama in Wasington D.C on August 3, 2010.

The event in the East hall of the White House was President Obama’s Forum with young African leaders. It was a rare moment for the young African Delegates to discuss their vision for Africa for the next 50 years. It all started with Barack Obama acknowledging that Africa had missed opportunities for too long and that the future of the continent now belongs to young people whose talents, imaginations and dreams he saluted. The U.S Leader challenged African youths to “make their voices heard ‘Stand up and make things happen with the U.S people as your partners. Work with America to create jobs and opportunities, pursue your dreams with the U.S supporting your aspirations”. He did not mince words when he told the youths that Africa ’s future is also for those who take charge of their health, ensure transparency, accountability, job creation and entrepreneurship.

The forum was all about knowledge sharing and net working with the young African leaders coming in contact with U.S Organizations that propel entrepreneurship in emerging markets from August 3-5, 2010. It was time for the youths to create connections and grow together with organizers revealing that half of the world’s population is below 24 with youths as the best allies for development. It emerged from the forum that there is need for investment in youths for the world to flourish together.

It was against this backdrop that the Aspen network of development Entrepreneurs was credited for providing critical financing and business support services to small and growing businesses that create significant economic, social and environmental impacts in developing countries. The forum was all about turning Africa ’s Natural disaster, poverty and conflict into opportunities for progress with youths required to be active citizens and emerge as the next generation of impact entrepreneurs.

CHOVES LOH