MWE Correspondent
The World Health Organization (WHO) Africa has called on African governments to prioritize investment in youth as a cornerstone for building a healthier, self-reliant, and resilient continent.
This appeal was made by WHO Regional Director for Africa, Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, during the opening of the 4th International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) on October 22, 2025.
Professor Janabi emphasized that Africa’s greatest asset is its young population, which is projected to constitute 60% of the continent’s 2.5 billion people by 2050. He warned that without substantial investment in their health, education, and employment, these young individuals could become a liability rather than a dividend.
Drawing parallels with Japan, a nation with limited natural resources that has thrived through human capital investment, Professor Janabi urged African leaders to emulate this model. He highlighted that Africa must not only invest in its people but do so more effectively to harness the full potential of its youth.
The CPHIA 2025 conference, themed “Moving Towards Self-Reliance to Achieve Universal Health Coverage and Health Security in Africa,” is organized by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the African Union (AU), and the South African government.
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The four-day event brings together over 800 scientists and researchers from around the world to discuss African-led solutions for health challenges.
Key discussions at the conference focus on strengthening health financing and accountability, advancing digital health and telemedicine, local vaccine production, and integrating climate resilience and One Health approaches to tackle emerging threats. Experts emphasize that fostering collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and private sector leaders is crucial to accelerating Africa’s journey toward health self-reliance.
Professor Janabi’s call for investment in youth aligns with broader efforts to transform Africa’s health landscape, ensuring that the continent’s young population is equipped to lead and thrive in the coming decades.
