Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on young Africans to seize the moment as architects of a self-reliant and united continent. In his keynote address at the second annual Guild Leaders’ Summit 2025, held at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, Kenyatta framed Africa’s youth declaring, “You are the last line of defense .. .”

Addressing policymakers, student leaders, and academic stakeholders from across East Africa, Kenyatta underscored the urgent need for integrity-driven leadership and self-reliance to navigate the continent’s pressing challenges. He highlighted Africa’s demographic advantage, with over 65% of its population under 25, calling it a pivotal opportunity to break free from cycles of division and corruption. “You have the numbers, you have the time, and you have the energy to get involved and stay involved in governance discussions until you effect the changes you wish to see,” he noted.

Kenyatta also appealed to the young leaders to embrace policies developed for the long-term good rather than short-term policies developed to serve personal interests. He emphasized the importance of intra-African trade, observing that the 2.5% intra-African trade volume was unhealthy for the continent’s prosperity. “History has often been written by the powerful, but the future will be shaped by the principled,” Kenyatta remarked.

Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo, who also graced the occasion, emphasized that the continent’s transformation hinges on their collective commitment to unity, Pan-Africanism, and relentless hard work. “As you, Guild Leaders, meet here, you must embrace unity. You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. You must embrace the spirit of hard work,” Alupo said.

The summit served as a platform for young leaders to discuss and strategize on ways to address Africa’s challenges and opportunities, with a focus on fostering unity, economic integration, and sustainable development across the continent.