NACCIMA president tasks youths on Africa’s economic future

In a defining moment for youth-led enterprise in Africa, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engineer Jani Ibrahim, has delivered a stirring charge to Nigerian youth: step out of the shadows of rhetoric and into the arena of leadership, structure, and economic impact.

“You’ve come of age,” Ibrahim declared during a strategic session ahead of the upcoming Pan-African Youth Investment Forum. “We can’t keep you under our wings forever. Like the Women’s Chamber before you, the youth platform must now evolve—into a disciplined, independent engine for national development.”

Set for August 30–31 at NACCIMA Headquarters in Abuja, the Forum—spearheaded by the NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs (NYE)—will bring together 20 handpicked youth leaders from across the continent to shape regional economic solutions. It coincides with the African Union’s Youth Connect Conference, where over 190 youth leaders are expected, positioning Nigerian youth at the heart of Africa’s future economy.Nigeria travel packages

The initiative is part of NYE’s two-year strategic plan, unveiled by newly appointed National Coordinator, Ambassador Dr. Samira Bokar Abdullahi, who described it as a generational shift “from scattered hustle to structured, scalable, and continent-wide collaboration.”

“We are no longer leaders of tomorrow—we are the changemakers of today,” Dr. Samira told a packed hall. “With the right support, Nigerian youth can drive Africa’s next economic revolution.”

The Forum is just the beginning. The NYE’s 2025–2027 blueprint also includes: National Youth Chamber of Commerce, ₦25 million Youth Microfinance Program, Business Clinics “by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs”, Zonal innovation hubs turning Nigeria’s regions into export engines—from Northern agri-processing to South-West tech clusters. Nigeria travel packages

A standout feature is the “One Region, One Program” model, which will see each zone build youth-led, export-ready value chains—from farm to factory to foreign markets.

“This isn’t about aid. It’s about value creation,” said Chinedu Aniabosu, NYE Deputy Coordinator. “And our youth are ready.”

President Ibrahim emphasised that the time for token participation is over. He called for ministries and agencies to be held accountable for their youth-focused programs.

“We’re not here for symbolic speeches. Let’s document what ministries actually offer. Let’s act on it.”

He cited Nigeria’s recent failure to access a €20,000 D-8 youth grant due to poor representation as a wake-up call. Nigeria travel packages

Addressing global stereotypes around Nigerian youth, Ibrahim issued a direct challenge:

“Africa is waiting for Nigeria to lead. But brilliance without structure is wasted. It’s time to replace the fraud narrative with a legacy of innovation, purpose, and enterprise.”

He revealed that ECOWAS, UNDP, GIZ, and several embassies are engaging NYE to co-create youth initiatives across West Africa—including programs in entrepreneurship, sports, and digital innovation hubs. ECOWAS has already offered NYE a mandate to coordinate youth programming—pending demonstration of strong internal governance.

In a lighter moment, the NACCIMA President encouraged youth to tap into Nigeria’s cultural powerhouses to amplify their vision.

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“If you want P-Square or Rema at your launch, go for it. These stars are looking for purpose. Package your ideas well, and they’ll support it.”

He added that young footballers and entertainers are eager to give back if approached with vision and sincerity.

Above all, Ibrahim stressed that NYE must build institutions that outlast individuals and events:

“This is about legacy. Six years from now, we should look back and see that the youth built institutions, created jobs, and changed lives—not just hosted programs.”

With NACCIMA’s full backing, the message is clear: the mandate has been given. The time is now. The future belongs to those ready to build it.