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Moroccan Ambassador to Ethiopia: Empowering Youth is Key to Development and Stability in Africa
The Moroccan ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti, Nouzha Alaoui Mohammedi, affirmed that under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco has made youth a central focus of its development policies. She emphasized that investing in this demographic is essential for achieving stability and enhancing development at both the national and African levels.
The ambassador made her remarks on Monday during the opening of a forum dedicated to the International Francophonie Day 2026, held at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa. The event, titled “Generation Peace? Youth Contributions for a More Stable World,” was organized by the International Organization of La Francophonie in partnership with the African Union and the United Nations Development Programme.
Mohammedi stressed that the Kingdom has adopted a series of public policies aimed at supporting youth, including the development of educational and vocational training systems, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, and enhancing their participation in public life and civic engagement.
In the African context, the ambassador highlighted that since Morocco’s return to the African Union, it has actively engaged in enhancing continental cooperation, particularly in training and education. She noted that welcoming thousands of African students into Moroccan universities aligns with a vision aimed at preparing a generation of competencies capable of leading development on the continent.
She also pointed out that African youth represent a significant demographic force with the potential to contribute to innovation and lead civic initiatives, as well as play crucial roles in conflict prevention and strengthening dialogue and social cohesion.
The ambassador called for moving beyond merely recognizing the symbolic role of youth towards empowering them to participate actively in decision-making. This can be achieved through improving their access to education and economic opportunities, encouraging their involvement in dialogue and mediation spaces, and supporting their initiatives in peacebuilding.
Furthermore, she underscored the importance of responsible use of digital tools and social media, asserting that equipping youth with resources and opportunities is a direct investment in a more stable and prosperous future.
The forum, which gathers diplomats, international institutions, and young leaders, aims to explore ways to enhance youth contributions to conflict prevention, foster a culture of dialogue, and strengthen democratic governance within the African space.
