By Naome Namusoke/KMA updates
Kampala, Uganda | October 10, 2025 — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged African and Arab youth to take charge of the future of the world as Africa’s population continues to expand, positioning the continent as a major global force in the coming decades.
He made the remarks while closing the four-day Afro-Arab Youth Congress held at the Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo under the theme “Amplifying Youth Voices for Peace, Unity and Prosperity.” The high-level youth forum brought together delegates from across Africa and the Arab world to discuss cooperation, innovation, and development among the youth.
President Museveni highlighted Africa’s unprecedented demographic shift, noting that the continent’s population now stands at 1.5 billion people, while Arabs outside Africa account for about 100 million. He emphasized that this population growth presents both opportunities and responsibilities for young people.
“In the next 30 years, Africa will constitute almost 30 percent of the human race,” Museveni said. “For most of history, Africa was underpopulated, but for the first time we now have a larger population than India. Because of modern medicine, we are overtaking India and could reach 2.5 billion people in 29years. Young people must know they belong to the future of the world through the Afro-Arab partnership.”
He described this demographic expansion as a unique opportunity for Africa and the Arab world to shape global progress through unity, innovation, and peacebuilding.
President Museveni also addressed the continent’s longstanding developmental challenges, particularly poor management and weak ideological orientation, which he said have hindered Africa’s progress over the past six decades.
“For the last 65 years, studies have shown that one of the biggest problems is ideological disorientation,” Museveni said. “In Uganda, we moved away from politics of tribes and religions to politics of interests, focusing on wealth creation as a unifying factor.”
He called on the youth to embrace productive engagement, ideological clarity, and innovation as pathways to economic empowerment and sustainable peace.
Museveni Donates Land for Afro-Arab Youth Council Headquarters
President Museveni donated 50 acres of land in Nakawuka, Wakiso District, along Entebbe Road, to the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC) for the construction of its headquarters and youth innovation centre. The land donation underscores Uganda’s commitment to promoting Afro-Arab cooperation and youth leadership.
During the event, the President has also launched a fundraising drive to support the establishment of the new council headquarters, which will serve as a regional hub for leadership training, innovation, and policy dialogue among youth from Africa and the Arab world.
“This land is a symbol of partnership and a foundation for a new generation of African and Arab leaders who will drive peace, unity, and prosperity,” he said.
The Vice President of Kenya Mr Kithure Kindiki has praised the transformative role of youth in modern innovation, especially in renewable energy and artificial intelligence (AI).
“Across Africa, young people are becoming the change makers of today,” he said. “They are leading breakthroughs in renewable energy, digital transformation, and AI, which are shaping a sustainable future for our continent.”
Representing the African Union (AU) Chairperson, Mr. Mahamood Yusuf urged that African and Arab youth be included in addressing humanitarian challenges across both regions.
“Youth must be empowered to be part of humanitarian solutions,” she said. “Africa and the Middle East continue to face crises that require active youth participation in decision-making and action.”
The Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC) is a regional organization that promotes collaboration between young people in Africa and the Arab world. It was established to foster mutual understanding, peace, innovation, and leadership development. Over the years, the Council has worked to strengthen the voice of youth in regional policy and development programs.
Africa’s Rising Global Role
According to current demographic projections, Africa’s population is growing at an annual rate of 2.4%, the highest in the world. Experts predict that by 2055, Africa will be home to 2.5 billion people, nearly one-third of the global population. With the majority under 25 years of age, this youthful demographic gives the continent a powerful advantage in shaping global development.
