Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged the youth to seize the moment in shaping the destiny of the continent, noting that they are the last line of defence.
Speaking during the Guild Leaders Summit 2025 at Makerere University on Thursday, April 24, 2025, Uhuru urged African countries to forge their path, observing that the international community continues to grow inward in their priorities.
“You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa for the sake of the future generations,” Uhuru said.
“No one is coming to save us, and as the world turns increasingly inward, the places to seek refuge are rapidly disappearing.”
Self-reliance
In his address to policymakers, student leaders, and academic stakeholders from across East Africa at Makerere University of Uganda, Uhuru underscored the urgent need for integrity-driven leadership and self-reliance to navigate the continent’s pressing challenges.
He equally highlighted Africa’s demographic advantage, with over 65% of its population under 25, calling it a pivotal opportunity to break free from cycles of division and corruption.
“You have the numbers, you have the time, and you have the energy to get involved and stay involved in governance discussions until you effect the changes you wish to see,” he noted.
Uhuru appealed to the young leaders to embrace policies developed for the long-term good rather than short-term policies developed to serve personal interests.
Intra-African trade
The former president highlighted the need for Africans to open their borders for trade, observing that the 2.5 per cent intra-African trade volume was unhealthy for the continent’s prosperity.
“History has often been written by the powerful, but the future will be shaped by the principled,” Uhuru remarked.
Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo, who also graced the occasion, emphasised that the continent’s transformation hinges on their collective commitment to unity, Pan-Africanism, and relentless hard work.
“As you, Guild Leaders, meet here, you must embrace unity. You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. You must embrace the spirit of hard work,” Alupo said.
She challenged the leaders present at the summit to embrace pragmatism, noting that it was easy to speak but rather difficult to implement decisions.
“It is very easy to say what I’m saying, but more often than not, it is a bit difficult to make implementation on a collective level,” Alupo noted.
The summit brought together young leaders from the East African region, policymakers and several other stakeholders in the affairs of the African continent.