By Francis Bahene Tumwekwasize, TECHTALK Africa Hub Reporter
The countdown is on! Excitement is in the air as Nigeria gears up to host one of the most electrifying events of 2024—the Global Youth Conference and Colours of Africa Festival! Scheduled for November 1st to 2nd at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, this two-day extravaganza promises to be an unforgettable celebration of African youth leadership, culture, and innovation. The event will bring together changemakers from over 150 countries for a weekend packed with networking, capacity building, and inspiration, culminating in the grand “Colors of Africa” festival.
According to Focus Africa Series President, Amb. Sucex Bright, “This year’s event isn’t just a conference. It’s a platform where the dreams and ideas of Africa’s young people will come alive. We’ve invited some of the brightest youth leaders, entrepreneurs, mentors and visionaries to participate in what will be a defining moment for Africa’s future.”
A Celebration Seven Years in the Making
Over the past seven years, Focus Africa has established itself as a beacon for growth, innovation, and collaboration across the continent. From high-powered conferences that have brought together business leaders and government officials from 27 African nations to empowering local communities, Focus Africa has become synonymous with progress.
Now, as part of its seventh anniversary, Focus Africa is pulling out all the stops with the 2024 Global Youth Conference (GYC). The event’s theme, “Where Ideas Meet Action,” captures the essence of the gathering. The conference will feature inspiring keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking discussions, all aimed at advancing Africa’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
But that’s just the beginning.
More Than a Conference: A Movement
What sets this event apart from others? As Amb. Sucex Bright pointed out in an exclusive interview, “We’re not just talking about change; we’re acting on it. With over 3,000 young leaders from 150 countries connecting through this platform, we are building bridges—bridges that will lead to partnerships, innovation, and solutions for some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”
We’re not just talking about change; we’re acting on it”
>Amb. Sucex Bright
From social entrepreneurs who are transforming their communities, to business leaders who are redefining African markets, attendees will have the chance to meet, collaborate, and build relationships that will last far beyond the two-day event.
The festival will also shine a spotlight on the groundbreaking achievements of Focus Africa, showcasing its journey over the last seven years. Participants will have a front-row seat to celebrate the recognition of Focus Africa as a United Nations Gender Priority Strategy (GPS) Lead for Africa. This milestone will include the induction of five extraordinary individuals into the prestigious Focus Africa Hall of Fame—people whose commitment to the project has made a lasting impact on the continent.
The Colours of Africa: A Cultural Spectacle
If the Global Youth Conference is the engine, then the Colours of Africa Festival is the heart and soul of this grand event. Designed to showcase Africa’s rich cultural heritage, the festival promises to be an explosion of art, dance, music, and storytelling.
Pavilions representing different African countries will be set up at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, with embassies proudly displaying the diversity and beauty of their cultures. From traditional dances and fashion shows to culinary delights, the festival will provide a window into the vibrant traditions that make Africa unique.
In addition to the cultural showcases, the festival will also be a hub for African entrepreneurs and artisans to display their work, giving attendees the opportunity to support homegrown talent and innovation.
“The Colors of Africa is more than just a festival,” says Sucex Bright. “It’s a celebration of who we are—our resilience, our creativity, and our potential. We’re inviting the world to experience the best of Africa, right here in Nigeria.”
It’s a celebration of who we are—our resilience, our creativity, and our potential”
>Amb. Sucex Bright
A Global Gathering of Changemakers
A Global Gathering of Changemakers
At its core, the Global Youth Conference and Colours of Africa Festival is a call to action for the next generation of leaders. With so many delegates from different corners of the world, the event promises to be a melting pot of ideas, experiences, and possibilities.
Imagine walking into the hall, surrounded by young entrepreneurs, activists, and innovators from over 150 nations. Whether you’re discussing sustainable agriculture with a social entrepreneur from Kenya or brainstorming a tech startup with a digital innovator from Ghana, the opportunities for learning, collaboration, and growth are endless.
The event’s format includes breakout sessions and panels where topics such as sustainable development, technology, gender equality, and economic empowerment will be dissected by experts and thought leaders. Attendees will have the chance to not only learn but also actively participate in the discussions that will shape the future of Africa and beyond.
The Grand Finale
After two days of intense discussions, idea exchanges, and networking, the event will culminate in a spectacular closing ceremony. The Colors of Africa Festival will take centre stage, turning the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre into a vibrant stage of African culture. Expect live performances from some of the continent’s most celebrated artists, a showcase of traditional and contemporary African fashion, and plenty of surprises that will leave guests in awe.
As Focus Africa wraps up its seventh-anniversary celebration, there’s no doubt that this will be an event for the ages—a moment when youth from around the globe will come together to build a future that is bright, bold, and boundless.
An Invitation to Be Part of History
Focus Africa has extended a personal invitation to all who are passionate about Africa’s future, and this is your chance to be part of something monumental.
Will this be your first time visiting Nigeria? Or have you experienced its beauty before? Either way, prepare yourself for an event like no other. The 2024 Global Youth Conference and Colours of Africa Festival is set to be one of the continent’s most impactful events this year.
Join thousands of like-minded change-makers and cultural enthusiasts in Abuja this November for a weekend that will leave you inspired, connected, and ready to take action.
Mark your calendars—November 1st and 2nd, 2024—and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to witness history in the making and to be part of Africa’s bright future.
For more information, feel free to reach out via text or WhatsApp at +2348080390788.
