CS Ruku challenges African youth to lead the continent’s transformation

Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, has called on African youth to take the lead in transforming the continent by embracing the African philosophy of Ubuntu.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 2025 All Country Conference at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, Ruku emphasized the importance of youth-led, community-driven leadership in addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges.

The five-day conference, themed “Leading with Ubuntu: African Youth Transforming the Continent,” is hosted by CorpsAfrica and brings together over 1,000 young leaders, volunteers, policymakers, and global stakeholders.

In his keynote address, Ruku hailed African youth as a “powerful force” already shaping the continent’s trajectory. “They are not just the future—they are the now,” he declared. “From technology and social enterprise to climate action, advocacy, the creative arts, and governance, young people are at the forefront of Africa’s transformation.”

Defining Ubuntu as a philosophy rooted in collectivism, empathy, and shared humanity, Ruku urged youth to adopt it as a guiding principle in their leadership journeys. “True leadership is not about personal success, but about advancing the collective. That is the spirit of Ubuntu,” he said.

With more than 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, Ruku challenged young people to turn persistent challenges—such as poverty, tribalism, and unemployment—into opportunities through innovation, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. He highlighted artificial intelligence, blockchain, and renewable energy as key sectors where youth can drive transformative change.

Ruku also encouraged participants to champion education reforms that foster Ubuntu-inspired leadership in schools, colleges, and communities. “We must move from idealism to action. Ubuntu must become a strategic imperative if we are to transform Africa into a global economic powerhouse,” he stated.

Concluding his address, the Cabinet Secretary issued a dual call to action: for young people to mentor and uplift each other, and for older generations to actively invest in youth. “It is our collective responsibility to build a better Africa. The success of one young person must be the success of all,” he said.

The conference, which runs through June 20, will focus on community-led development, youth innovation, and sustainable progress across the continent.