Africa will today, May 25, mark the 54th anniversary of the formation of the African Union, formally known as the Organisation of African Union, with a focus on youth investment.

According to the International Labour Organisation,  the incidence of unemployment among youth in Northern Africa remains elevated at 29.3 percent in 2016, representing the second highest rate across all regions.

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And that the youth unemployment rate in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to continue on its downward trajectory, which began in 2012, reaching 10.9 percent in 2016 and decreasing slightly to 10.8 in the following year.

Formed on May 25, 1963, the OAU brought the continent together to among other things achieve continental unity.

Since then, the 25 May has been celebrated widely across the world particularly in Africa to signify Africa’s identity and unity.

This year’s celebration is on the theme: “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through investments in Youth.”

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In a statement from the AU headquarters, it said the day presents a unique opportunity to discuss and reflect whiles celebrating important milestones on youth development across the continent.

“The central importance of the demographic dividend to Africa’s transformative development has been repeatedly acknowledged by African leaders at the highest level and in key ministerial platforms. Over the last ten years, it has become evident that a demographic dividend lens offers a strategic basis for focusing and prioritizing investments in people in general and the youth in particular, in order to achieve sustainable development, inclusive economic growth, and to build "an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, which is driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena,” it said.

The statement added: “If the theme of the year is to be successfully realized, it is imperative that platforms of national authorship and ownership be speedily established to enable a cross session of ordinary Africans to connect with what is at present an abstract concept restricted to the ivory tower of the political elite, bureaucrats and academics.”