Harness power of youth in shaping Africa’s future

There is great human potential, human capital and natural resources in Africa. But Africa’s greatest asset is its young people—and they brimming with potential. African youth are the present and future innovators, leaders and changemakers.

Africa youth can contribute and build a better future for the content. Their untapped energy is essential in shaping the destiny of the continent and the world. But Africa’s youth potential might count for nothing without necessary opportunities and support needed for them to thrive.

Currently, over 75 per cent of the population of Africa is under the age of 35 years. More decisive actions are needed to turn this demographic asset into an economic dividend.

According to the African Development Bank, Africa's youth population is growing rapidly and is expected to double to more than 830 million by 2050.

If properly harnessed, such growth in the working-age population could help raise productivity and promote stronger, more inclusive economic growth on the continent.

And that is not all, by 2030, Africa’s youth will make up 42 per cent of the total number of young people worldwide. Crucially, if African societies do not support them, it will not only be a significant loss for Africa, but also the entire world. 

Skills for self-employment

There is need to bring youth issues to the centre of development agendas and promote the role of youth as equal partners in developing their societies. Focus should be on, among other issues, education, employment, entrepreneurship, political inclusion, citizenship and protection of rights.

Many young Africans lack access to quality education, hindering their ability to develop the skills needed to thrive in the 21st Century. While primary school enrolment has expanded, access to secondary education, particularly in underserved communities, remains a significant challenge. 

Furthermore, education systems often lack the resources and flexibility to provide training in vital areas such as technology, critical thinking and entrepreneurship. To secure a better future, African countries must prioritise investments in quality education that equips young people with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. 

Also, African youth must be prepared for the jobs of the future, from artificial intelligence to robotics, machine learning, quantum computing, Africa must invest more in re-directing and re-skilling its labour force, especially the youth.

Technical vocational education and training should not be stigmatised as a second-rate learning track, because it has the capacity to promote the acquisition and development of entrepreneurial and innovative skills for self-employment.

African leaders must recognise the benefits of designing and enabling an environment for entrepreneurship, promoting innovation, and investing in sectors that create jobs for young people.

Empower young people

At the same time, it is important to take seriously youth participation. Young people must be empowered to become active and engaged citizens.

Their voices must be heard in the decisions that affect their lives and the future of their communities and nations. Too often, young people are excluded from political processes and decision-making forums. 

Spaces must be created for youth participation in governance and engagement in leadership. Most importantly, youth perspectives must be valued and incorporated into policymaking and decision-making. More support and funding should be provided to African youth to engage in civil society and politics. 

Undoubtedly, youth are the present and future of Africa. There is need to invest in young Africans, empower them and create the conditions for them to thrive. Efforts must be doubled to unlock the immense potential of Africa’s youth and build a brighter future for all. 

Equally important, young Africans must be proud of being born at this time, when there are opportunities to serve and great developments are happening. They must recognise their potential as changemakers and step forward with their ideas confidently. 

Ultimately, as a continent, we must seize this moment and harness the power of youth in shaping Africa's future—an Africa driven by the energy, innovation and leadership of its youth.

Mr Obonyo is a public policy analyst. [email protected]