AU–EU Business Forum 2025: Data Governance in Focus as HAUS Strengthens Africa–Europe Digital Cooperation
HAUS Finnish Institute of Public Management participated in the AU–EU Business Forum 2025 in Luanda as part of the EU–AU Data Governance in Africa initiative, which supports African countries in strengthening data governance, innovation ecosystems, and digital economic growth. The Forum brought together policymakers, business leaders, investors, and innovators from over 20 African countries to discuss how data can accelerate socio-economic development.
Data as an Asset for Youth Employment – A High-Impact Session Moderated by HAUS
HAUS Digital Social Innovation Expert Shirin Namiq moderated the high-level panel “Data as an Asset for Youth Employment,” showcasing practical, data-driven solutions that improve youth employment outcomes. The speakers included:
- Niajiri (Tanzania) – data-driven skills matching for young jobseekers
- Youth Employment Service YES (South Africa) – the country’s leading youth employment programme powered by impact data
- UNDP Accelerator Labs Angola – data experimentation and solutions to local development challenges
The discussion highlighted how a reliable, open, and secure data environment enables scalable solutions, builds investor confidence, and creates real opportunities for young people.
Key Menti Insights
Live audience polling offered valuable reflections on what drives the strongest youth employment outcomes:
- Startup × University partnerships were seen as the most impactful model
- If Team Europe could fund only one intervention, the audience chose cross-border mobility, enabling young people to learn and work across borders
- A clear audience message to the panel: “The future is bright for African youth.”
Podcast: No, This Is Not About Lions – Angola Edition
During the Forum, HAUS also filmed a special Angola edition of its podcast “No, This Is Not About Lions,” taking a light but honest look at Africa–Europe cooperation. The episode explores the Forum’s four main themes – energy, health, transport, and digital/data collaboration – through a simple, engaging, startup-pitch-style dialogue with one African and one European guest.
