Enhancing Equitable Access to Land for Youth Crucial: AU Commissioner

Efforts of enhancing equitable access land by youth will significantly contribute towards the realization of the Africa we want as envisioned in Agenda 2063, AU Rural Economy and Agriculture Commissioner Janet Edeme said.

A three-day conference on land policy in Africa kicked off today.

Speaking at the opening of the conference, Commissioner Edeme said inclusive participation of the youth in decision-making and empowerment through access to land and other resources will unlock Africa’s economy potential through harnessing the demographic dividend and provide opportunities for gainful employment.

According to her, “reforms that put land in the hands of young people and increase their productivity and relevance in society cannot be delayed any further.”

The conference is expected to have a catalytic effect on land policy development and implementation in Africa through creating space for presenting research findings on land policy and governance and drawing the attention of African researchers, governments, civil society, private and development partners on emerging land issues and challenges.

Agriculture and Natural Resources Minister Dr. Eyasu Abraha said land is one of the major resources that should be properly managed and used for the benefit of current and future generations of our people.

The Minister called on Africans to jointly strengthen the African-owned land policy platform through strengthening the Africa Land Policy Center which is recently launched and institutionalized.