Adesina Warns Nigeria Losing Future to ‘Japa’ Syndrome

President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has raised concerns over Nigeria’s growing migration trend popularly known as “Japa,” cautioning that the country and the continent are losing their most valuable resource—youths. Adesina spoke during an interview on Channels Television where he mentioned that young Africans do not need handouts disguised as empowerment but capital to fuel their innovations and transform them into sustainable wealth. He stressed that Africa’s youthful population of over 465 million people aged 15 to 35 must be seen as a demographic asset that requires serious investment in skills development and financing. He emphasized that with adequate social protection, skills and quality jobs, the continent could utilize the purchasing power of its youth to drive economic prosperity. Adesina cited the limitations of Africa’s financial systems in supporting youth, thereby announcing AfDB’s approval of $100 million for Nigeria’s Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank, aimed at unlocking $2 billion in investments for over 38,000 businesses. “The future of our young people lies in Africa,” he declared.