In Marrakech, the “Ibrahim Governance Weekend” has begun under the banner of African leadership, with a clear message: the transformation of the continent depends on its youth and greater autonomy, particularly in the field of health.
Youth as Drivers of the 2030 Agenda
During the opening ceremony, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed emphasized the decisive importance of youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Africa cannot afford to sideline young people; they must be recognized as leaders, innovators, and full partners in processes of change.
She reminded that the year 2025 marks a turning point for the 2030 Agenda, calling on African governments to accelerate reforms over the next five years. Protecting vulnerable populations, promoting gender equality, and strengthening social justice are all levers for building truly inclusive growth.
To achieve these goals, Ms. Mohammed highlighted the need to rely on the continent’s internal strengths. She cited the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), sustainable management of natural resources, and the appeal for high-impact investments as major development drivers.
Health Sovereignty as a Response to Crises
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, delivered an equally direct message: if Africa wants to progress towards the goals of the 2063 Agenda, it must learn from recent crises. The COVID-19 pandemic and the reduction of international aid have severely affected health systems, leading to facility closures, mass layoffs, and a drop in access to care.
Rather than suffering from these shocks, Africa must use them as triggers for structural transformation. The WHO chief advocated for building sustainable health autonomy, free from dependence on external aid. He mentioned several avenues: taxing tobacco and alcohol, establishing public health insurance schemes, organizing bulk purchasing of medicines, and combating corruption in health systems.
A Strategic Meeting for Africa
Organized under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the IGW 2025 Forum brings together prominent figures from the political, economic, and associative worlds in Marrakech. This annual summit of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation provides a space for reflection on the continent’s major directions, with this year a particular focus on mechanisms for financing African development.
In a context of global economic upheaval, the forum asserts the necessity for Africa to define its own priorities, valuing its resources, talents, and youth. More than just an event, IGW 2025 serves as a strategic platform for envisioning an African future based on autonomy, solidarity, and innovation.