African Development Bank Group (AfDB) president Sidi Ould Tah has urged investors to take advantage of Africa’s youth population as they carry out business on the continent.

He made the remarks during the opening of the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) Market Days on November 26, in Rabat, Morocco.

The AIF is an annual event that serves as a platform where investment opportunities across Africa are showcased, discussed, and advanced.

In his speech, Tah said Africa’s demographics could be either its greatest asset or its greatest missed opportunity depending on how decisively partners mobilise capital for skills, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth.

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"In two and half years, the continent will represent a quarter of humanity, our workforce will surpass that of China and the United Kingdom combined. This demographic reality must be transformed into economic strength, not left as a statistic,” he said.

He warned that persistent financing gaps could undermine Africa’s potential if not addressed through bold investment in young people.

"If Africa continues to face a shortage of investment, our common ambition will remain out of reach. We must channel capital into the hands of our youth, our innovators, our entrepreneurs, our creators and because they are our greatest asset.”

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Tah also highlighted that STEM fields and digital skills are the essential foundations for future growth.

"Our young men and women are the drivers of innovation, energy, and entrepreneurial dynamism. To unlock their potential, we must give them tools like access to finance, skills, and access to opportunities. Because Africa’s future depends on the empowerment of its youth.”

He also added that technical and vocational training, as well as the formalisation of informal work, will play a central role in enabling young people to transition into sustainable careers.

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The AIF gathered more than 2,500 delegates this year, showcasing 41 projects across energy, transport, agribusiness, ICT, mining, and urban development. With 39 of the projects already investment-ready.