Addis Ababa – Chido Mpemba, the African Union Special Envoy on Youth, has called upon African governments to expand political space to allow for greater youth participation. In an interview with ENA, Mpemba emphasized the potential of Africa's youthful population to drive sustainable development and progress across the continent.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, engaging the youth in political, economic, and social domains is crucial for harnessing their potential and achieving sustainable development. She highlighted the adverse effects of conflicts and power struggles on young people and stressed the need for a shift towards democracy and inclusive political processes. Mpemba urged African governments to engage youths in political processes, enhance their capacities, and adopt new approaches to address outdated practices. She underscored the importance of leveraging the youth's potential to fulfill the aspirations of the Africa Agenda 2063 and noted the African Youth Charter's role in highlighting the continent's commitment to its young population.