Harry Stands as Voice for Youth, Promoting Innovations to Achieve Equal Opportunities and Financial Inclusion
This week, Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF) President and CEO Njideka Harry represents the organization at the World Economic Forum on Africa, leading conversations on creating a skilled workforce, reducing inequalities, and facilitating financial inclusion in a digital world.
In Durban, South Africa, where the forum is being held, some of the top minds in business, government and civil society will focus on addressing challenges posed by growing youth unemployment and the impact of headwinds for commodity-dependent countries, among others. The conversations will be in a context of understanding how the region can strengthen economic resilience and create jobs – all as described by the World Economic Forum.
“We know it takes innovation from every angle,” said Harry. “We’re here because we want to not only learn from other organizations, but share what we’ve learned in our own work with stakeholders in the public and private sector.”
Starting May 3, Harry will serve as a subject matter expert for innovative approaches to decent work and responsible production, sharing YTF’s approach for supporting youth. With a focus on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, Harry will give insight to YTF’s program delivery and technology usage, urging the audience to consider ways to prepare youth with skills for jobs that don’t yet exist.
Later in the week, Harry will lead a discussion on reducing inequalities, taking a fresh look at policies that may help address underlying structures that create and reinforce unequal opportunities. She will also deliver comments to business leaders on financial inclusion, in particular discussing how digital technologies can drive opportunities. Armed with the knowledge that one-third of the one billion Africans who use mobile phones engage in commerce and make transactions with their devices, Harry will emphasize that digital technology has the potential to dramatically transform Africa.
