Exciting Moments Ahead in Geneva! 🇨🇭 We are thrilled about the upcoming 16th Conference of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), taking place in Geneva, Switzerland — a global platform that brings together world leaders, policymakers, development partners, and youth advocates to shape the future of inclusive and sustainable trade. As highlighted by Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD, this conference is not just about policy discussions; it’s about finding real solutions that empower developing nations, promote fair trade, and advance economic resilience in the global South. For us at ACP DYSS Cameroon, this is a key opportunity to engage, connect, and amplify the voices of African youth in global trade and development dialogues. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that align with UNCTAD’s vision of prosperity for all. 🌐 Let’s continue working together for a fairer, more connected, and sustainable global economy. #UNCTAD16 #Geneva2025 #TradeAndDevelopment #ACPYouth #SustainableGrowth #GlobalPartnerships #UNCTAD #ACPDYSSCameroon #YouthEmpowerment United Nations UN Women UNDP UNCTAD entrepreneurship UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) UNCTAD Trade UNCTAD Youth Network Save The Woman And Protect The girl child Plan International Cameroon UNCTAD ASYCUDA African Leadership Academy Human Rights Watch International Service for Human Rights Save the Children International Major Group for Children and Youth

The Innovation for African Universities (IAU) Community of Practice, in partnership with the British Council and REACH-PSM, hosted its first regional webinar titled “Innovation Journeys through UK Partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Story of TEA@Sunrise, REACH-PSM and Beyond.” Facilitated by Prof. Thea van der Westhuizen💯 ( IAU CoP South Africa Lead), the session explored innovation pathways and strategic partnerships across Sub-Saharan African universities and entrepreneurship ecosystems. Key contributions came from thought leaders across the UK, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa — including Swansea University, Strathmore University, the University of Cape Town, and Kijani Testing Limited — sharing insights on sustainable energy innovation, gender inclusion, and international collaboration. As Dr David Chiawo, PhD (IAU CoP Regional Chair) noted, the CoP serves as “a space for students to engage, build skills, and gain confidence to be innovators.” The British Council’s Sam Rametse further emphasised the importance of university partnerships in tackling Africa’s youth unemployment through entrepreneurship and innovation. The event concluded with an engaging Q&A and interactive quiz led by Soji Megbowon — setting the stage for future collaborations that strengthen the role of African universities in driving sustainable innovation. #Innovation #HigherEducation #Entrepreneurship #IAUCoP #BritishCouncil #Africa #Partnerships #REACHPSM #TEAatSunrise #UKZN Meekness Lunga-Ayidu; Daniel Emenahor; George Barrett; Ernest Winful; Sean BC Farran; Matthew Davies; Jiska de Groot; carol maddock; Anne Wacera Wambugu Carren Atieno

Connecting African and North American ecosystems is both a laudable ambition for Africa's development and a potential advantage, as it creates synergies in key areas such as research, entrepreneurship, and the energy transition, thus fostering mutually beneficial growth. University initiatives, such as that of UM6P, aim to build bridges between these ecosystems, creating circular systems where international mobility accelerates returns and impact in Africa. ‎An ambition for African development in research and innovation : Hubs such as that of UM6P in New York and Cambridge serve as gateways to connect African and North American researchers, students, and entrepreneurs, stimulating innovation in strategic sectors. #leadership #ImportExport #GlobalOpportunities #WorldNews #WorldEconomicForum

Africa’s real hope lies in harnessing the African Continental Free Trade Area to drive regional value chains. Speaking at the #PreG20 conference in Johannesburg, organised by International Development Economics Associates, Dr. Rob Davies, former Minister of Trade and Industry of South Africa, says that if Africa invests in its own economic integration, it can chart a more sustainable path forward.

Multilateralism as initially instituted does not favour Africa, so perhaps the current deconstruction poses an opportunity for the continent. I spoke with Former Minister of Trade and Industry, South Africa Dr Rob Davies as he shared his thoughts on how the next Presidency of the G20 poses a threat to the legacy of South Africa’s current Presidency seeing as current rhetoric suggest the United States of America will manage international finance systems in favor of Wall Street.

This September, Ntha Foundation was proudly represented at the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York City by our Founder & Managing Director, Nthanda Manduwi. Invited by the United Nations Youth Office, Ms. Manduwi joined global leaders, development partners, and young innovators to mark the 30th Anniversary of the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY30) — a milestone moment to reimagine youth-centered development in Africa and across the globe. Throughout the week, Ms. Manduwi contributed to key discussions shaping the future of youth empowerment, technology, and inclusive growth. In one of her engagements: the BBC News Africa Town Hall — Future of Work & Artificial Intelligence; appearing alongside Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa (UNDP Assistant Secretary-General), Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani (Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy), and Dr. Amal EL FALLAH - SEGHROUCHNI (Morocco’s Minister Delegate for Digital Transition), Nthanda shared bold perspectives on Africa’s place in the AI revolution. She emphasized the need for Africa to create, not just consume, AI technologies: - Challenged outdated colonial-era education systems still designed to produce administrators rather than innovators. - Urged that job disruption can be an opportunity for Africa to rebuild systems and industries from the ground up. - Called for patience before rushing into AI regulation — advocating for understanding and experimentation before creating restrictive frameworks. - Highlighted the urgent need for energy infrastructure to power Africa’s AI future and the importance of financing African entrepreneurs. Read more about all the engagements of the week on our website: nthafoundation.org/unga-80

Rethinking Innovation and Economic Growth Nthanda asked, “Why am I the only one receiving international awards?” That question should challenge every young innovator in Malawi. We are living in a world where life itself has become transactional — where time, creativity, and expertise must be valued and compensated accordingly. It’s time we re-evaluate our approach to economic growth. Are white-collar jobs truly the key to our national economic redemption? Or is the answer found in innovation, entrepreneurship, and value creation that speaks to the realities of our people? The future belongs to those who are willing to rise, to innovate, to create, and to debate ideas that move our nation forward. Our generation must take ownership of that future — not just for individual success, but for the financial freedom and sustainable development of Malawi. Let’s shape an economy that rewards ideas, nurtures creativity, and opens doors to global recognition. #Innovation #YouthEmpowerment #EconomicGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Malawi

6 challenges. 6 teams. 24 participants, from 15 African countries. #HackTheDivide kicked off today in Nairobi. Through collaboration and creativity, participants are building ideas that put people — not just technology — at the centre of innovation, as mentioned in the welcome remarks of Fabio Minniti, Head of Office of Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo in Nairobi. This initiative is part of Skills for Fair Digital Transitions in Africa, co-organized with the International Labour Organization, Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale, and in partnership with the African Union Commission - Department of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and I3P - Innovative Companies Incubator of Politecnico Torino.

With support from the European Union in Kosovo, CARE Balkans, EC Ma Ndryshe, and Syri i Vizionit are empowering youth and communities across Kosovo to lead the green transition. Through the Green Innovation Lab, soon to open at the University of Prizren, students and young innovators will gain hands-on experience, design sustainable solutions, and drive local change for a cleaner, greener future. Read more: https://lnkd.in/d_qhRvGe #EUinKosovo #GreenHorizons #GreenInnovationLab

The future of North-South Cooperation is not aid, but co-creation. From growing up in one of the poorest States of India to serving as one of the only Indian nationals in the UK civil service, I’ve seen how balanced partnerships can unlock inclusive growth. Now, as the founder of The Leading You^nth, I’m working to bridge divides by equipping youth with global opportunities. Excited to share my perspective at the Young Economic Forum- Madrid 2025, hosted by Spain Business School & Centre For International Political Economy (CIPE) Koyesha Mukherjee #NorthSouthCooperation #YEF2025 #GlobalYouthLeadership #EconomicDiplomacy #CIPE #YoungEconomicForum4.0