Daniel Asomani, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VODEC Africa, has issued an inspirational and rallying message to the youth of Africa, urging them to embrace their strategic importance as the drivers of change on the continent.

Delivering the keynote address at the National Emerging Leaders’ Economic Forum (NELEF) 2026, Asomani noted that the power to alter the course of the continent and place it on a pedestal where growth and development become the order of the day has been imbued in African youth, and that the time has arrived for them to lead the charge for the continent.

Addressing the theme “Building Africa’s Future: Emerging Leaders Driving Inclusive Growth and Regional Transformation”, Mr Asomani identified the major drawback to youth participation in developmental initiatives and conversations across the continent.

He noted that, contrary to widespread belief, African youth do not need political power to make a difference but rather need courage, discipline and integrity.

“Let me say this to every emerging leader in this auditorium and to everyone joining us online: The power to change Africa was not handed to you today. It was placed in you long before you arrived here in this room. My task is not to give you power. My task is to remind you that you already have it—and to ask what you will do with it.

“You do not need a special or political platform to be relevant. You do not need a government appointment to serve. You do not need permission to solve a problem that is already hurting the people around you. You need courage.

"You need discipline. You need competence. You need integrity. And you need the willingness to begin where you are, with what you have, for the good of others,” he said.

Asomani explained that it is against the backdrop of these gaps in the youth empowerment drive that VODEC Africa birthed the NELEF initiative to equip the youth with the knowledge, resources and opportunities to become the drivers of change on the continent.

He wondered why a continent blessed with a myriad of resources like Africa is still struggling, and expressed the hope that empowered and resourced African youth can lead the charge to reset the continent.

“Our continent possesses extraordinary natural resources, a young and energetic population, unmatched cultural creativity, expanding markets, entrepreneurial ability, and a generation that is increasingly connected to the world. Africa is projected to record the world’s fastest economic growth in 2026, at approximately 4.2 to 4.3 percent.

“Over the last decade, the journey has taught us that a platform can become a pathway, and a pathway can become a movement. The inaugural NELEF in 2024 brought together approximately 2,500 participants onsite and reached about 4,500 online. In 2025, onsite participation grew to more than 5,000, with about 6,000 reached online, total engagement exceeding 11,000.

“That growth is not just an attendance figure. It is a message. It tells us that young people are not apathetic. They are searching for a place to stand, a platform to speak, a network to trust, and a pathway from talent to opportunity,” he said.

The National Emerging Leaders’ Economic Forum (NELEF) is a premier annual event in to empower young leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals.