Ambassador Alhaji Salamu Amadu Urges African Youth to Drive Change and Global Partnerships at AFEX Conference in Turkey
Youth Ambassador for Peace and Development, Ambassador Alhaji Salamu Amadu, has issued a powerful call to action to young Africans, urging them to rise up, embrace innovation, and take bold steps to transform their nations while contributing to the global development agenda. He made the statement during his address at the Africa Economic Exchange (AFEX) Conference held in Istanbul, Turkey.
Addressing a diverse audience of entrepreneurs, policymakers, diplomats, and fellow youth leaders from across Africa and beyond, Ambassador Alhaji Salamu emphasized the critical role of African youth in shaping the continent’s future. He encouraged young people to step beyond borders and form strategic partnerships with developed countries to foster mutual growth and advancement.
“I’m here today with a simple but powerful message: it is time for African youth to go out, step up, and make a difference,” he said. “We must no longer wait to be given a seat at the table. Instead, we must build our own tables—and invite the world to sit with us.”
Ambassador Alhaji Salamu, who is also the President of The Afro-Arab Group of Companies and Founder of the Yaa Salaam Opportunity Centre, highlighted the need for Africa’s youth to become proactive agents of change. He stressed that the continent’s future does not lie solely in the hands of politicians or foreign aid, but in the creativity, commitment, and courage of its young population.
“Young people across Africa must understand that they are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the changemakers of today,” he stated. “Africa can become great again if we, the youth, take our rightful place and use our talents, networks, and energy to build sustainable economies, promote peace, and partner with the world on equal terms.”
The AFEX Conference, which brought together leaders in business, technology, education, and diplomacy, provided a high-level platform for discussing Africa’s role in global economic systems. Ambassador Alhaji Salamu used the occasion to challenge African youth to pursue education, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration as key tools to drive development at home.
He also called on governments and private institutions to invest meaningfully in youth-led initiatives and to create enabling environments that allow African youth to compete and collaborate on a global scale.
“We must create new bridges—bridges between Africa and the rest of the world. Let’s partner with developed nations not as beggars, but as equals with value to offer. Let’s ensure that these partnerships are for mutual benefit—where both sides grow together,” he added.
Ambassador Alhaji Salamu Amadu’s passionate remarks were met with loud applause, as many attendees praised his visionary leadership and commitment to youth empowerment. Known for his philanthropic work and dedication to creating opportunities for underprivileged communities in Ghana and beyond, Ambassador Alhaji Salamu has become a respected voice on the continent for peace, enterprise, and youth development.
His speech at the AFEX Conference further solidified his reputation as a dynamic thought leader who believes in Africa’s potential and the power of young people to shape that future.
He concluded his address with a heartfelt message to fellow young Africans: “We have everything we need within us. All that is left is the will to act. Let us rise, unite, and change Africa for the better. The world is watching, and our time is now.”
The Africa Economic Exchange (AFEX) Conference in Istanbul served as a unique platform to connect Africa with international investors, institutions, and policy influencers.
Ambassador Alhaji Salamu Amadu’s remarks were among the most impactful moments of the conference, offering both inspiration and a challenge to Africa’s youth to claim their space in building the continent’s future.
