Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for increased financial support for young people across Africa, warning that the continent risks underutilising its greatest asset if youth innovation is not properly backed.

Speaking on youth development during the 2026 Africa Prosperity Dialogue in Accra on Wednesday, February 4, the Vice President noted that young people constitute a significant proportion of Africa’s population and are making remarkable strides in technology, innovation, and financial technology.

"Our youth accounts for more than 60% of our population. Across the continent, our youth are driving technology and innovation, from fintech to creative industries," she said.

However, she said their achievements often go unnoticed or fail to reach scale due to limited access to funding and institutional support.

"This potential is not yet fully reflected in cross-border participation. Many young people still lack the capital, skills, pathways and institutional support needed to scale their ideas across borders," she bemoaned.

According to the Vice President, targeted investment and support systems are essential to empower young people to drive Africa’s digital and economic transformation. She urged governments and stakeholders to prioritise youth financing as a critical development agenda for the continent.

The ongoing dialogue is on the theme "Empowering SMEs, women and youth in Africa's single market."