Youth Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment: From Crisis to Catalyst
Youth entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful but overlooked forces for inclusive growth, job creation, and innovation. Yet young people today face a global unemployment crisis, shaped by conflict, climate change, demographic shifts, and unequal access to technology. While some nations debate the AI revolution in the workplace, many young people worldwide lack even basic digital access — deepening global inequality.
At the same time, youth are building creative, community-driven solutions — from solar-powered cinemas bringing equitable access to film, to storytelling initiatives that serve as both livelihoods and civic infrastructure. This session explores how to harness the power of youth not only to earn sustainable livelihoods, but also to drive community development and systemic change.
Speakers
Zainabu Jalango — Orkeeswa alum, biomaterials engineering student, and youth advocate from rural Tanzania, passionate about climate justice, STEM equity, and scaling youth-led innovation.
Nell Lemaistre — Head of Strategy at Chancen International, advancing financial inclusion and access to higher education for marginalized youth in Africa.
Sydelle Smith — Co-Founder of Sunshine Cinema, Africa’s first solar-powered impact cinema network training youth as community facilitators.
What to Expect
Confront the crisis – Examine barriers young people face in accessing skills, livelihoods, and opportunities globally.
Spotlight youth-led innovation – Learn from creative models like solar-powered cinema and grassroots storytelling.
Explore pathways to empowerment – Discuss how training, entrepreneurship, and digital access can unlock youth potential.
Co-create solutions – Identify what governments, funders, and communities can do to support youth as drivers of sustainable economic growth.
Why Join?
Gain a deeper understanding of the global youth unemployment crisis and its long-term consequences.
Learn from youth-led initiatives that are reshaping livelihoods and civic life.
Contribute ideas for bridging the gap between innovation and systemic support.
Walk away with concrete strategies to empower youth as agents of inclusive growth.
Who Should Attend?
Funders and policymakers focused on economic empowerment and livelihoods.
Youth leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators building community-driven solutions.
NGOs and practitioners working on education, skills, and workforce development.
Anyone committed to unlocking youth potential as a force for sustainable, inclusive futures.