Uyo, Nigeria — Kenyan Pan-African scholar and public intellectual Prof. Patrick Lumumba is expected to deliver the keynote address at an upcoming Pan African Awakening Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, according to a report by Latest Nigerian News.

The conference is being organised by the Social Engagement and Reorientation Initiative (SERI) and is expected to focus on some of the major social, economic and political challenges shaping Africa’s future.

At the centre of the discussion will be the growing phenomenon commonly referred to as “Japa Syndrome” — a term widely used in Nigeria to describe the increasing desire among young Africans to leave the continent in search of better economic opportunities, education, employment and living conditions abroad.

A conversation about Africa’s future

The organisers are expected to use the conference as a platform to examine why increasing numbers of young Africans are considering migration as their preferred path to economic advancement.

The issue has become an important part of discussions about Africa’s development. While migration can provide individuals with opportunities and access to new experiences, the continued departure of highly educated and skilled young people has also raised questions about the continent’s ability to retain talent and build sustainable economies.

The Pan African Awakening Conference therefore comes at a time when questions about African sovereignty, economic opportunity, education, employment and the future of young people are receiving increasing attention.

Lumumba’s Pan-African perspective

Prof. Patrick Lumumba has become a prominent voice in contemporary Pan-African discourse, frequently speaking about African unity, self-determination, governance, economic transformation and the importance of Africans taking greater ownership of the continent’s future.

His participation is expected to bring a broader continental perspective to the conversation in Uyo.

Rather than viewing youth migration only as a demographic or economic issue, a Pan-African approach can also ask deeper questions: Why do young Africans feel compelled to leave? What conditions would encourage them to remain? And what kind of Africa do young people want to build?

Beyond the “Japa” debate

The migration debate is often reduced to whether young people should leave or remain in Africa. The underlying issues, however, are considerably more complex.

Young Africans face challenges involving unemployment, wages, access to capital, education, infrastructure, governance and opportunities for entrepreneurship. At the same time, many African countries possess significant natural resources, expanding digital economies, growing cities and a large youthful population.

The challenge is therefore not simply to discourage migration, but to create conditions in which staying in Africa becomes an economically viable and attractive choice.

This includes creating productive industries, strengthening educational institutions, supporting entrepreneurship, improving public services and developing opportunities that allow young Africans to participate meaningfully in their economies.

A continental conversation

The Uyo conference could provide an opportunity to connect Nigeria’s migration debate with the wider Pan-African question of development.

Africa’s future will ultimately depend on its ability to convert its youthful population into a source of innovation, production and social transformation.

For many young Africans, the question is no longer simply “Should I leave?” but also “What would make me want to stay?”

The Pan African Awakening Conference is expected to explore that question and others surrounding the continent’s future.

Panafrican.email will continue to follow the conference and report developments as additional details become available.

Source: Latest Nigerian News / New Telegraph