MWFAAN Sets Agenda for Pan-African Legacy Conference
The Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Association of Nigeria (MWFAAN) has officially announced its inaugural Pan-African Legacy Conference, a significant initiative aimed at uniting key stakeholders to establish a sustainable development framework for Africa, with a special focus on its vibrant youth population.
Themed “Shaping Africa’s Future through the AfCFTA and Agenda 2063,” this milestone event also commemorates MWFAAN’s 10th anniversary. Scheduled for November 20-21st in Abuja, the conference promises to be a transformative platform for advancing Africa’s socio-economic progress.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, MWFAAN President Farida Yahya outlined three central goals for the conference. First, she emphasized the importance of creating a development blueprint, reflecting on the Fellowship’s achievements over the past decade and envisioning the next 10 years with a focus on economic growth across the continent.
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Yahya explained that another core objective is to facilitate a productive dialogue with policymakers, fostering closer connections between young entrepreneurs and decision-makers to bridge the gap between the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and youth-driven enterprises. This will be instrumental in expanding access to trade opportunities for young Africans across the continent.
“The third goal,” Yahya highlighted, “is to promote the Helix Model of Development, which involves uniting government entities, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders to build a cohesive framework for sustainable development.”
The two-day event will feature several dynamic activities, including a pitch competition to spotlight innovative ideas from young Africans, a city tour for international delegates, and a high-level panel discussion on the conference theme. In addition, MWFAAN will unveil the Ubuntu Trade App, a groundbreaking digital platform enabling young African entrepreneurs to trade goods and services seamlessly across Africa and with U.S. partners.
The conference will also honor young African change-makers with a Hall of Fame induction ceremony recognizing 100 individuals for their remarkable contributions to sustainable development. The event will offer specialized workshops addressing crucial themes such as open governance, press freedom, healthcare, youth and trade, entrepreneurship, and women’s development.
Vice President of Nigeria Kashim Shettima is set to inaugurate the conference, while Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will deliver the keynote address. Youth ministers from Ghana and Morocco, along with senior parliamentarians and young delegates from Zimbabwe and over 25 African nations, will also attend, underscoring the event’s significance as a platform for Pan-African collaboration and action.
