Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged young Africans to embrace self-reliance as opposed to dependence on foreign opportunities, as Western governments adopt increasingly inward-looking policies.
Kenyatta said the tightening of immigration laws and significant cuts to foreign aid by Western countries present a moment of introspection for Africa, one that should usher in local solutions, led by the continent's youth majority. "Nobody is coming to our rescue, and in a world that is becoming more insular, there will soon be nowhere to run, so let us fix our continent," he said, adding, "This is your independence moment, you are officially the freedom fighters of this era.
You are the last line of defense in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa." The former Kenyan President was delivering the keynote address at this year's Annual Guild Summit, a regional conference hosted by Makerere University to promote principles of good governance among young African leaders.
Further, he challenged the group of young leaders to take part in civic life and ensure their governments prioritise the needs of young people, including investment in education and technology.
