Dr Ibrahim Bangura Urges Greater Investment in Youth at China-Africa Dialogue in Freetown

Economist and development specialist Professor Dr Ibrahim Bangura on August 4, 2026, called for increased investment in Africa’s youth while delivering the keynote address at the China-Africa Youth Dialogue and Model United Nations Conference held at the Tunde Cole Complex, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. Addressing young delegates, policymakers, and stakeholders, he emphasised that Africa’s rapidly growing youth population represents the continent’s most valuable asset for achieving sustainable development.

Dr Bangura urged governments and development partners to prioritise innovation, strengthen access to quality education, and promote inclusive economic growth to unlock the potential of young people. His remarks were made during a conference that brought together youth representatives from across regions to exchange perspectives on South-South cooperation, multilateralism, and youth-driven development, highlighting a shared commitment to deeper collaboration between China, Africa, and the broader Global South.

A leading academic in peace and conflict studies at Fourah Bay College, Dr Bangura has built a strong reputation through his research and policy contributions on youth engagement, peacebuilding, and post-conflict transitions in West Africa. He holds a doctorate in economics from HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management and has contributed to multiple international initiatives, including developing the Women, Peace and Security Guidelines for ECOWAS and working as a monitoring expert on over 100 EU-funded programmes across nearly 30 African countries. His recent academic work has focused on youth-led movements and the reintegration of ex-combatants, while his ongoing research explores women’s roles in democratic advocacy.

His call for action comes amid growing concern over youth unemployment across the continent, where millions of young people enter the labour market each year but only a fraction secure formal employment. This gap continues to pose a major challenge to economic stability and social development, reinforcing the need for targeted investment in skills, entrepreneurship, and job creation. The appeal aligns with broader continental efforts such as the African Union’s Decade of Accelerated Action (2025–2035), which seeks to expand opportunities for youth through innovation and capacity building.