Africa’s Future is Youth-Led! SEED Participant Joins High-Level Dialogues at Africa Business Forum 2026

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) recently hosted the 9th annual Africa Business Forum on February 16 and 17. Among the delegates was Bethelhem Abreha, a young entrepreneur and a participant in the Sustainable Employment through Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development (SEED) program.

The forum’s theme, “Financing Africa’s Future: Jobs and Innovation,” aligned perfectly with Bethelhem’s professional trajectory. Through the SEED program led by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundationshe has received comprehensive entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and critical support in accessing finance and markets. At the forum, she brought this unique perspective to sessions focused on the Youth Economy, advocating for the systemic support necessary for young entrepreneurs to flourish.

Operating a viable and scalable business herself, Bethelhem provided a vital link between high-level continental policy and the practical, day-to-day experiences of young African business owners. During her time at the United Nations Conference Centre, she engaged in high-impact conversations aimed at bridging the gap between innovative startups and institutional support.

“Participating in the forum was a transformative experience,” Bethelhem stated. “It provided a valuable opportunity to network with continental leaders and advocate for the support young entrepreneurs need. It is clearer now than ever that Africa’s future is youth-led, and I am gaining the strategic insights required to scale my business’s impact within the African market to meet that future.”

By joining these high-level dialogues, Bethelhem worked to ensure that the successes and challenges of young female founders remain a priority for policymakers. Key takeaways from the forum included the confirmation that youth-led startups are the primary engines for future employment across the continent, alongside discussions on new pathways for businesses to access the capital needed to transition from micro-enterprises into large-scale employers. Furthermore, the event provided insights into how the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can empower entrepreneurs to expand their operations beyond domestic borders and into regional markets.

Bethelhem’s journey—from intensive training to participating in global policy forums—exemplifies the profound impact of targeted entrepreneurship development. Her participation highlights how programs like SEED help young people secure dignified, steady, and meaningful work.

As Bethelhem noted during the closing sessions, “When we empower young innovators, we prove that Africa’s future is youth-led, and we create a more resilient economy for everyone.”