AAGC 2025: A vision for empowering women, youth, and SMEs to drive Africa’s transformation
The AAGC has been re-engineered and rebranded to reflect the urgency and direction needed to propel Africa forward
In a world that is rapidly changing, Africa stands at a pivotal moment, ready to harness its vast potential and make a mark on the global stage.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Thursday (17 April), H.E. Nyakan June, the convener of the Accelerated Africa Growth Conference (AAGC) 2025, shared her vision for an event that aims to reshape the narrative of Africa’s growth.
Scheduled to take place in Accra from May 24th to 27th, the conference is not just another event; it is a platform designed to catalyse action and drive tangible results.
“Women and SMEs are key drivers of the continent,” Nyakan emphasised, highlighting the essential role these groups play in Africa’s development.
The AAGC has been re-engineered and rebranded to reflect the urgency and direction needed to propel Africa forward. “Africa must move from talk to action,” she asserted, as she called for a collective effort to rewrite the continent’s story on a blank canvas.
The conference is particularly focused on empowering women, youth, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), recognising that these groups are vital to unlocking Africa’s economic potential.
Nyakan explained that previous conferences aimed primarily at women have evolved to include a broader demographic, acknowledging that youth and SMEs are integral to national development. “If we bring in women to the equation and empower, inspire, and support them, we will be winning at full capacity,” she stated.
Nyakan’s passion for youth engagement was evident as she described the enthusiasm of young people eager to participate in the conference. “We are dealing with them in the universities,” she noted, emphasising the importance of vocational and technical skills in preparing Africa for the future.
By harnessing the creativity and innovation of the continent’s youth, Nyakan believes that Africa can leapfrog into the next industrial revolution.
Reflecting on her own journey as a pioneer in technology, Nyakan recalled her experiences as one of the few women in her computer science class in Kenya. “We had to really demonstrate and to really be with it and not to quit,” she recalled, highlighting the challenges women face in male-dominated fields. Her success story serves as an inspiration for women and youth alike, showing that determination and resilience can break down barriers.
The AAGC aims to create actionable outcomes by focusing on four key pillars: job and wealth creation, skills development, policy and law, and knowledge and trade. Nyakan emphasised the need for practical conversations that will lead to real change, particularly in sectors like agriculture and construction, which offer significant opportunities for growth.
Importantly, the conference also seeks to engage the African diaspora, recognising their potential as partners in Africa’s development. “We are interested in all African diasporas and people of African descent,” Nyakan explained, stressing the importance of building connections and fostering a sense of belonging. The AAGC aims to create a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration between Africans on the continent and those in the diaspora.
As she concluded her interview, Nyakan expressed her hope that the AAGC will ignite a movement of transformation across Africa. “I want us to ignite a movement where Africans all over the world can see that I am African and I have something to do,” she declared passionately. The future of Africa, she believes, depends on individual actions that collectively lead to significant change.
With the AAGC just around the corner, the anticipation is building for what promises to be a groundbreaking event. As Nyakan June and her team prepare to welcome thousands to Accra, they are poised to create a space where ideas can flourish, connections can be made, and Africa’s potential can be fully realised.
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