African youth have emerged as the continent’s ambassadors of goodwill because they have shown time and again that they are not only capable but also willing to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. Their remarkable leadership in various areas has earned them this title. From entrepreneurship to innovation and technology, empowerment to environmental conservation, community service, and volunteer work, African youth have demonstrated their creativity, innovation, and commitment to positive change. Their efforts have significantly impacted the African continent, contributing to economic growth, social progress, and environmental sustainability.
Leadership Skills
One way African youth leaders are becoming the continent’s goodwill ambassadors is through their leadership in various fields. In politics, young Africans increasingly take up leadership roles, challenging the status quo and advocating for policies addressing the continent’s challenges. For instance, in 2022, Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso became the youngest African leader at age 34, and in 2018, Ethiopia’s parliament appointed Abiy Ahmed as the country’s Prime Minister at the age of 42, making him the second-youngest leader in Africa. Since then, he has implemented several reforms, including promoting gender equality and human rights, ending conflicts, and driving economic growth.
Additionally, African youth have also shown remarkable leadership skills in advocacy campaigns, utilising various platforms, such as social media, to raise awareness and mobilise support for various social, political, and economic issues.
Entrepreneurial skills
African youths have also demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial skills. Through their entrepreneurship, African youth have demonstrated their creativity, innovation, and business acumen. They have taken advantage of the continent’s growing economy and changing demographics to create businesses that not only generate income but also address various social issues.
For example, in Kenya, a group of young entrepreneurs created Totohealth, a mobile health service that provides expectant mothers and new parents with information and tips on maternal and child health. The service has reached over 100,000 families, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in the country.
Similarly, in Nigeria, a group of young entrepreneurs created FarmCrowdy, an online platform that connects farmers with investors to fund their agricultural projects. The platform has created over 25,000 jobs and supported over 17,000 farmers, addressing the challenge of food security in the country.
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Innovation and technology
African youth have also been at the forefront of innovation and technology. They have embraced new technologies, such as mobile phones, social media, and e-commerce, to create solutions that address various challenges facing the continent.
In healthcare, young Africans are also developing solutions that address the continent’s health challenges. For instance, in Ghana, Bright Simons founded mPedigree and a group of young entrepreneurs created Sproxil, both of which are mobile platforms that enable consumers to verify the authenticity of medicines before purchasing them. The platform has helped curb the proliferation of fake drugs, which pose a significant health risk to the continent’s population.
In Rwanda, a group of young entrepreneurs created Zipline, a drone delivery service that delivers blood and medical supplies to remote areas. The service has reduced the time it takes to deliver medical supplies from hours to minutes, saving lives in the process. Through their innovation and technology, African youth have shown that they are not only consumers but also creators of technology. They have also created solutions that address various challenges facing the continent and have contributed to economic growth and development.
Young Africans are also leveraging technology to drive social impact. In education, M-Shule, a mobile-based platform in Kenya, is using artificial intelligence to improve access to quality education for children in low-income communities. The platform provides personalised learning content and assessments to learners, enabling them to improve their performance and access better opportunities.
In Rwanda, a group of young entrepreneurs created Zipline, a drone delivery service that delivers blood and medical supplies to remote areas. The service has reduced the time it takes to deliver medical supplies from hours to minutes, saving lives in the process. Through their innovation and technology, African youth have shown that they are not only consumers but also creators of technology. They have also created solutions that address various challenges facing the continent and have contributed to economic growth and development.
Young Africans are also leveraging technology to drive social impact. In education, M-Shule, a mobile-based platform in Kenya, is using artificial intelligence to improve access to quality education for children in low-income communities. The platform provides personalised learning content and assessments to learners, enabling them to improve their performance and access better opportunities.
Arts
In the arts, young Africans are also creating works that celebrate the continent’s diversity, challenge stereotypes, and showcase its beauty. For instance, Kenyan musician, songwriter, and actress Lupita Nyong’o has become a global icon, winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 12 Years a Slave. She has also used her platform to advocate for issues such as women’s rights, diversity, and inclusion.
Empowerment
African youths are becoming the continent’s goodwill ambassadors through their impact on their communities. Despite the challenges of poverty, conflict, and underdevelopment, young Africans are driving change in their communities, improving the lives of those around them.
One example is Marieme Jamme, a Senegalese-born technologist and entrepreneur who founded iamthecode, a global movement that aims to empower one million girls and women through technology education and skills training by 2030. The movement has already impacted over 140,000 girls and women in 36 countries, providing them with the tools and resources to pursue careers in technology and entrepreneurship.
Marieme Jamme, founder of iamthecode
In Zimbabwe, Ruvimbo Samanga founded the Voice of the Voiceless Foundation, which supports young people affected by HIV/AIDS. The foundation provides education and support to those living with the virus, as well as advocating for their rights and challenging the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS.
In Nigeria, Gideon Olanrewaju founded the Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi), which provides scholarships and educational resources to children in rural areas. The organisation has impacted over 2,000 children, providing them with access to quality education and better opportunities for the future.
Environmental Conservation
African youth have emerged as leaders in environmental conservation, recognising the importance of protecting the continent’s natural resources and promoting sustainable development. Through their initiatives, they have significantly impacted the African continent, contributing to environmental conservation, economic growth, and social progress. Their commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability provides a beacon of hope for the future of the continent and the world.
One of the primary environmental challenges facing the African continent is deforestation. Deforestation has contributed to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. However, African youth have initiated various projects to address this issue. For instance, in Uganda, a group of young leaders initiated a project to plant trees and restore degraded forests. The project aimed to promote climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
Similarly, in Kenya, young entrepreneurs created Ecopost, a company that produces eco-friendly plastic lumber from recycled plastic waste. The company has created employment opportunities and addressed the challenge of waste management, promoting environmental conservation and sustainability. Through their commitment to environmental conservation, African youth have shown their dedication to creating a better future for the continent.
African youth have also recognised the importance of promoting sustainable energy practises. In South Africa, young leaders initiated a project to promote the use of solar energy in rural areas. The project aimed to address the challenge of limited access to electricity in these areas and promote sustainable energy practises.
Community service and volunteer work
African youth have made remarkable strides in community service and volunteer work. They have recognised the importance of giving back to their communities and initiated various projects to address the challenges faced by their communities. For instance, in Ghana, a group of young leaders initiated a project to clean up the community’s streets and public spaces, inspiring other young leaders across the continent to initiate similar projects.
Indeed African youths are becoming the continent’s goodwill ambassadors through their leadership, innovation, and impact. Their efforts are transforming their communities and challenging the negative perceptions of Africa, showcasing its potential and opportunities to the world. However, there is a need for greater investment in the continent’s youth, providing them with the tools and resources to pursue their ambitions and make a positive impact. By doing so, we can create a better future for Africa and the world.
Image source: Thesouthafrican
