Johannesburg – In closing out Youth Month, Digify Africa proudly hosted the Meta Youth Summit at The Empire Venue in Parktown, Johannesburg, on Saturday, 28 June 2025. The event had young digital innovators, tech leaders, content creators and aspiring creatives to explore the future of technology and how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to venture into digital entrepreneurship.
Under the theme, “Future Unlocked: Youth, AI & the Digital Landscape, the Summit featured an exciting lineup of speakers, including Thabo Makenete, Head of Public Policy, SSA and Chinny Francis – Policy Programs Manager from Meta. A robust discussion around The Value of Upskilling was led by Qhakaza Mohare, CEO, Digify Africa, joined by Emmanuelle Mgiba, Senior Program Manager, Girl Effect and Gerald Macherechedze, Module Lead Instructor and IT Consultant, Power Learn Project. Other speakers from the day included Digital Content Creators Gift Ndou, Ndivhuwo Muhanelwa, and Barbara Moagi.
The panelists shared insights with the youth in attendance about the real world of the digital landscape and how to turn disruption into opportunity by equipping themselves with the skills, tools, and networks needed to succeed in the intelligent digital economy. Some of the topics they covered included The AI Era: Navigating the Future of Digital Work, Harnessing AI: Opportunities for Youths in the Digital Age, The Power of Authentic Content for Monetising Content in the Age of AI and Personal Branding for the Future of Work.
“This summit was needed; it equipped young people with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy,” said Qhakaza Mohare, CEO of Digify Africa Foundation. She continues to state that “As AI continues to influence every aspect of our lives, events like these ensure our youth are not only prepared, they are taking charge of their own future in space.”
The Summit had the vibrant networking sessions, one-minute live business and job pitches, and the #Digify100 video that profiles the digital journeys of Digify Pro Online Alumni and graduates. Young people also had the opportunity to connect with organisations in the exhibition that provide learning opportunities to the community. Organisations such as Power Learn Project, WeThinkCode and YE4Youth were in attendance. A well-rounded day for networking and sparking ideas for collaboration and growth.
The Meta Youth Summit is an annual event that stands as a testament to Digify Africa’s ongoing commitment to bridging the digital skills gap and preparing Africa’s youth for the future of work.
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