U.S. first lady Michelle Obama has urged young Africans to take leadership roles in their countries and unite to shape a better future for the continent.

The first lady delivered an emotional address to an enthusiastic group of young women at the historic Regina Mundi Church in Soweto, South Africa on Wednesday. The church was a center of the anti-apartheid movement.

Mrs. Obama said America was looking to Africa's young people to transform economies, create opportunities, end corruption, hold free and fair elections and ensure women are not treated as second-class citizens.

She also called on the next generation of leaders to rid Africa of hunger, poverty and diseases like HIV/AIDS.

Mrs. Obama, America's first African-American first lady, said Africa's youth are heirs of a generation who have sacrificed much to attain independence and freedom. She cautioned work to create a better future for the continent will not be easy.

The speech was part of a U.S.-sponsored forum for young female African leaders.

After the address, Mrs. Obama visited a museum and did community service in Soweto. She was scheduled to travel to Cape Town later Wednesday.

Mrs. Obama is traveling without her husband on a two-nation tour of southern Africa. She is joined by her daughters, Malia and Sasha, and other relatives.

On Tuesday, the Obama family met with anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela at his home in Johannesburg.

The first lady will travel to Botswana on Saturday for a two-day visit there.