Durban - Young people were shaping the future through technology and also had the potential to solve many of the issues bedevilling Africa today.
This was the message from some of the Global Shapers, a network of young future leaders under the age of 30 who have been recognised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) for their achievements and potential.
WEF Africa is taking place in Durban currently, with over 1000 leaders from more than 100 countries, representing business, government, academia, civil society, media and the arts descending on Durban for the WEF meeting, this year themed "Achieving Inclusive Growth through Responsive and Responsible Leadership".
Financial whizzkid, Priscilla Meno from the Global Shapers Johannesburg Hub, said the big issues facing the country's youth were unemployment and a lack of knowledge.
However, she said these could be addressed through technology, although the cost of data is a major challenge for young people.
"Our generation does not buy a car, but uses Uber, we don't book into a hotel but log onto Airbnb,"she said. "When I wake up in the morning, I look at Twitter to see what is happening in the world and what events are happening today."
Entrepreneur, Matsi Modise, who has been in the Global Shaper Top 50 three times and has just been nominated to sit on the WEF Expert Network is an investment banker turned entrepreneur.
"WEF provides a platform where you can have a seat at the table with CEOs from around the country. The biggest issue facing the country is a lack of leadership in government, but we will come through these turbulent times.
"The biggest challenge for the youth is access to opportunities, but by being here I will pass on everything I can to my network of other young entrepreneurs," said Modise.