Yankuba Darboe, chairman of the Brikama Area Council
By Seedy Jobe
Speaking at the Youth Impact Summit 2025, Yankuba Darboe, chairman of the Brikama Area Council, called on young Africans to take responsibility for shaping the continent’s future and to avoid repeating what he described as the failures of earlier generations.
“The youth must shine and not repeat the failures or the mistakes of our forefathers,” Mr. Darboe told participants, urging a decisive break from practices that have hindered Africa’s progress.
In a wide-ranging address, Mr. Darboe emphasized the need for Africa to redefine its global narrative, identifying corruption as one of the continent’s most persistent challenges. He called for a culture rooted in integrity and accountability, proposing what he described as a simple African mantra: “Don’t steal, don’t lie, just work.”
He linked that vision to the ruling party in Senegal’s slogan, “Jub, Jubal, Jubanti”—often translated as uprightness, correction, and straightening—expressing hope that its underlying values could inspire a broader, continent-wide ethos.
“We want this to transcend beyond borders so that the future Africa will not lose its own resources to the West,” Mr. Darboe said, arguing that Africa’s wealth should be invested locally to drive development and self-reliance.
“Our resources are going to be invested in our own continent, in our future,” he added, framing economic self-determination as central to Africa’s long-term prosperity.
Turning to political and institutional leaders, Mr. Darboe appealed for support in empowering young people. “We hope you will give us that opportunity to set that foundation,” he said.
He urged youth in attendance to seize the moment and imagine an Africa that offers world-class opportunities at home. Young Africans, he said, should work to build cities and economies that rival global hubs. “Make the most of the opportunity to mold, create that future that makes Africa establish Dubais, New Yorks, and Singapores in this continent,” he said.
In a lighter moment, Mr. Darboe dismissed the idea that fulfillment lies abroad. “We don’t have to go to Dubai just to have a TikTok picture,” he said, “We want that to be in Africa.”
He pointed to cities such as Dakar, Conakry, and Abidjan as potential centers of growth, adding simply, “It can be Africa.”
The Youth Impact Summit 2025, hosted at a local venue, brought together young leaders, activists, and policymakers to discuss youth-driven solutions to Africa’s social and economic challenges. Mr. Darboe’s remarks drew strong engagement from attendees, many of whom welcomed his call for accountability, innovation, and local investment.
His speech reflected a broader momentum across the continent for youth-led change, with growing emphasis on integrity, self-reliance, and the belief that Africa’s future can—and should—be built at home.