The National Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics (INSEA) in Rabat recently hosted a major continental event: The AASU–Weldios Symposium hosted by Epik Leaders, titled "Cultivating Prosperity: Advancing Agriculture and Intra-African Trade for Sustainable Development." This gathering marked a crucial milestone in fostering the tripartite collaboration between the academic, economic, and civil society sectors across Africa.
A Strategic Platform for African Integration
The symposium highlighted the commitment of its organizers – AASU (All Africa Students Union), Weldios University, and Epik Leaders – to transcend traditional barriers and forge concrete solutions to the continent's challenges.
Dr. Nizar Chaari, Founder of Epik Leaders, emphasized the urgency of this convergence of forces:
"The Africa of tomorrow will be built on bridges, not silos. The collaboration between academic excellence, private sector innovation, and civil society energy, catalyzed by the youth, is the only path to realize the full potential of AfCFTA and Agenda 2063. This symposium in Rabat is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together."
Influential Voices Call for Action
The event featured the participation of prominent leaders whose interventions reinforced the advocacy for a more integrated and prosperous Africa.
Engr Dr. Darlington Ugota, Chairman of the Esthington Group, stressed the vital role of private investment and infrastructure in securing the African agricultural value chain.
Dr. Gilpin Ekundayo, MD/CEO of Rokel Commercial Bank of Sierra Leone, focused on inclusive financing and the importance of supporting SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) to boost intra-African trade.
The Importance of Academic and Economic Synergy
The collaboration between Weldios University and AASU underscores the necessity of aligning research and education with the continent's economic needs.
Dr. Ugo Magnus Kel, of Weldios University, articulated the institution's mission:
"Universities must not be ivory towers. Our role is to produce not only graduates but also solutions and entrepreneurs. Integration with leaders like Epik Leaders and economic actors ensures that our curriculum and research directly serve to bridge the employability gap and feed the real economy in Africa."
Mr. Osisiogu Osikenyi Enyinnaya, President of AASU, insisted on the empowerment of African youth:
"African youth are the engine of the AfCFTA. By working with strategic partners like Weldios University and Epik Leaders, we ensure that students are not just beneficiaries, but the architects of Africa's agricultural and trade transformation. The continent's future rests on our ability to transform education into opportunity and trade into unity."
Recognition of African Excellence
A highlight of the symposium was the recognition ceremony presided over by Mr. Osisiogu Osikenyi Enyinnaya, President of AASU. The All Africa Students Union (AASU) awarded its Medal of Honor to several personalities for their exceptional commitment to the continent's development.
The recipients of this prestigious distinction were:
Dr. Nizar Chaari (Founder, Epik Leaders)
Engr Dr. Darlington Ugota (Chairman, Esthington Group)
Dr. Gilpin Ekundayo (MD/CEO, Rokel Commercial Bank of Sierra Leone)
Dr. Ugo Magnus Kel (Weldios University)
This recognition symbolizes the importance of honoring those who embody the spirit of Pan-African collaboration and commitment to sustainable development and youth empowerment.
The AASU–Weldios Symposium hosted by Epik Leaders, held at INSEA in Rabat, reaffirmed that Africa's future lies in its ability to cultivate prosperity through collaboration. By uniting the forces of youth (AASU), education (Weldios University), and strategic leadership (Epik Leaders), the continent adopts a powerful model for realizing its ambitions in agriculture, trade, and regional integration.