At the 2nd edition of the International Parliamentary Forum for Social Justice in Tangier, Morocco, Bocar Abdoulaye, President of the National Assembly of Niger, called for African youth to be placed at the heart of the continent's digital revolution. The forum, held on April 2, 2026, focused on the theme of digital transformation as a lever for development and social justice.
Abdoulaye argued that with over 60% of Africa's population under the age of 25, this demographic represents an unparalleled opportunity for innovation and economic growth. He stressed that investing in digital education, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship for young people is critical to avoiding a widening digital divide and ensuring Africa's competitive future.
The Nigerien parliamentary leader highlighted the need for concrete policies and international partnerships to create an enabling environment. This includes improving internet connectivity, fostering startup ecosystems, and developing regulatory frameworks that protect citizens while encouraging technological advancement.
The forum served as a platform for lawmakers and experts to discuss strategies for harnessing digital tools to promote inclusive growth and address social inequalities. Abdoulaye's speech aligned with broader continental initiatives, such as the African Union's Digital Transformation Strategy, which aims to create a single digital market by 2030.
