Chido Mpemba, the African Union Youth Envoy, has concluded her three-year tenure, leaving a lasting impact on youth engagement and empowerment across the continent. Her final visit to Algeria, where she was warmly welcomed by government officials, coincided with the celebration of Africa Youth Day on November 1.
During her time in office, Mpemba successfully advocated for the institutionalization of the Office of the Youth Envoy, ensuring a sustainable platform for youth representation within the African Union. This initiative aims to provide a permanent voice for young people in decision-making processes.
Another notable accomplishment was her role in updating the African Youth Charter, which had not been revised since its inception in 2006. This update reflects the evolving needs of African youth and demonstrates Mpemba's commitment to aligning policies with contemporary challenges.
Mpemba also focused on creating opportunities for young Africans through strategic partnerships, such as the collaboration with the African Leadership Academy. This partnership aims to enhance youth employment and leadership development by providing valuable experience in public policy.
Mental health advocacy was another critical area of her work. Through initiatives like the #ICanSurvive Toolkit, Mpemba has worked to destigmatize mental health issues and promote resilience among over 2,000 young participants, providing essential resources to address these challenges.
Additionally, she championed environmental sustainability by leading climate action efforts, including the planting of over 3,000 trees. Her leadership in this area emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship for future generations.
As Mpemba's tenure comes to a close, her legacy of transforming youth engagement within the African Union is expected to have a lasting impact, influencing future policies and initiatives aimed at empowering young people across the continent.
Source: Newsreel Zimbabwe