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"The future of Africa is in the hands of young people", says Mo Ibrahim during One Young World Summit

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

Mo Ibrahim addressed an audience of international young delegates from business, NGOs, universities and other international organisations at the 2018 One Young World Summit at the Hague, The Netherlands. The event took place from 17 to 20 October.

During his speech, Mo highlighted the importance of holding governments to account and advocating for good governance in the continent.

Africa is just a normal place, and African people are just normal people. Our picture of Africa is a place of conflicts, but Africa is a very healthy place. The problem of Africa is a problem of governance.

He concluded by urging the young audience to lead the way into implementing change in the continent, emphasising that "it is in their hands to change Africa."

After the session, Mo also participated in a Q&A panel with young delegates.

The One Young World Leader Summit is an annual event where world leaders and young delegates debate, formulate and share innovative solutions for pressing issues the world faces. Other participants this year included Rosario Dawson, actress and co-founder of social fashion studio One Eighty Nine; businessman and musician Akon; and Professor Thuli Madonsela, University of Stellenbosch Social Justice Chair and Former Public Protector of South Africa, who will be joining the Foundation for a discussion on the key findings of the 2018 Ibrahim Index of African Governance in Pretoria, South Africa, on 2 November.