Details: One-Of-A-Kind Deal Signed Between Trace and African Union In Nairobi

Trace and the African Union Youth Division on Thursday, May 16 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signifying their pioneering partnership aimed at empowering young Africans.

The signing of the MoU took place at Vanguard Lounge within Pramukh Tower in Westlands, Nairobi, with the collaboration serving as a beacon to amplify the voices of young African leaders and innovators, foster educational and capacity-building opportunities across the continent, and celebrate the diverse and dynamic culture of African youth. 

A formal signing ceremony was held between representatives of Trace and the African Union, specifically from the Youth Division, featuring presentations detailing the objectives and initiatives of the historic collaboration, shedding light on the profound impact it aims to achieve.

Danny Mucira, (MD Trace Eastern Africa) and Prudence Ngwenya Director of Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate, African Union Commission with other representatives during the signing of an MoU on May 16, 2024. /TRACE

Speaking during the MoU signing, Trace East Africa Managing Director (MD) Danny Mucira affirmed that the collaboration aims to amplify the voices of young African leaders and innovators, fostering capacity that leads to creating dignified and fulfilling jobs across the continent.

"Trace has been in existence for over 20 years entertaining and empowering young people and creating a platform that seeks to amplify the Afro-urban culture across the world. We seek to continually provide platforms for young people to express their ideas, showcase their talents, and drive change in their communities," he said.

According to Mucira, Trace will leverage its media reach and educational platforms to create a movement that converges collaborators who seek to solve challenges for young people across the continent.

Through this MOU, joint programs and initiatives will be designed to enhance the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of young Africans in areas that will spur growth and prosperity for Africa.

"There will be continued emphasis on STEM education, entrepreneurship, and creative arts to prepare youth for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, and better prepare them for ultimate success on a global scale.

"Through our collaboration, we aim to pay homage to the rich and diverse cultures that make up the African continent. Promoting African music, art, and cultural expressions on global platforms to foster pride and recognition," he continued.

The partnership is aligned with the AU’s Agenda 2063, particularly focusing on youth and women empowerment, and innovation, with collaborative efforts between Trace and the AU ensuring that the former's initiatives complement and enhance the AU’s ongoing projects.

On her part, Prudence Ngwenya, the Director of the Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate, African Union Commission (AUC), remarked that the MoU builds on an already existing successful partnership that the AU has had with Trace for the past few years.

"Today, we see many young people, especially women, leveraging their creativity and digital skills to start businesses in various creative sectors such as fashion, music, film, art, design, and digital media. This shows that creative youth entrepreneurship programmes are not just programmes designed to tackle mass unemployment, rather, are a central part of mainstream economic development strategy that can transform creativity and human capital into early growth and sustainable development," Ngwenya weighed in.

Both Trace and the AU identified initial areas of collaboration which included implementing the African Union's Women and Youth Financial and Economic Inclusion (WYFEI) 2030 Initiative, a visionary strategy that was put in place to build a resilient continental ecosystem that fosters impactful multi-level actions to improve women and youth financial and economic inclusion and which seeks to unlock $100 billion (Ksh13.1 trillion) for at least 10 million African women and youth by 2030.

Also included is the implementation of 1Million Next Level Initiatives through technical and financial support to the five pillars, that is Health and Well-being, Education, Employment, Engagement, and Entrepreneurship (4Es + H).

Also in the pipeline is the launch of the TRACE Radio podcast series, which aims to empower African women and youth by highlighting emerging trends and issues, promoting awareness and solutions building.

The deal will also involve providing technical support and establishing a partnership with the TRACE Foundation for Youth Success to launch and manage the AU Mentees Hub.

Attendees had ample opportunities to network, facilitating connections with esteemed industry leaders and fellow luminaries, fostering a community of innovation and support. 

Stakeholders and members of the Fourth Estate during the signing of an MoU on May 16, 2024. /TRACE