Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with over 60% of its people under the age of 25. This demographic dividend presents a unique opportunity for the continent to tap into the energy, creativity, and innovation of its youth to drive economic growth, social progress, and sustainable development.
Youth-led initiatives and innovations have surged in the last decade, reshaping Africa’s economic, social, and political landscapes. From tech startups and social enterprises to community organisations and advocacy groups, young Africans are leading the charge in crafting the continent’s future.
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TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
Africa’s tech scene is booming, with its startup ecosystem attracting significant global investment. Young Africans are at the heart of this revolution, creating innovative solutions to the continent’s most pressing challenges.
Take M-Kopa, a Kenyan startup providing affordable solar energy to off-grid communities. Founded by Jesse Moore and Chad Larson, M-Kopa has connected over 1 million homes to solar power, creating jobs and stimulating local economies in the process.
In Nigeria, Andela is transforming the tech landscape by training young African software developers and connecting them to global job markets. Founded by Jeremy Johnson, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, and others, Andela has built a network of over 1,000 developers across Africa, opening up vast career opportunities.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Young Africans are also driving social change through impactful community-based initiatives. These organisations are tackling issues from education and healthcare to environmental conservation and economic empowerment.
One example is Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), which supports young climate entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and funding. Founded by Ghanaian youth entrepreneurs, GCIC has backed over 100 climate-focused startups, creating jobs and fostering economic growth.
In South Africa, IkamvaYouth provides educational support and mentorship to disadvantaged young people. Founded by a group of South Africans, the organisation has assisted over 10,000 youth, helping them access better educational and economic opportunities.
ADVOCACY AND ACTIVISM
Youth-led activism is driving powerful social change across the continent. From human rights to environmental justice, young Africans are using their voices and actions to inspire positive transformation.
Africa is experiencing a youth-led political revolution, with young people taking centre stage in mainstream politics. Senegal’s election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the youngest African president has sparked a wave of youthful leadership. Countries like Ghana and Eswatini are seeing increased youth participation in elections, with young people leading conversations around civic engagement.
This movement is especially significant as more than a third of African countries will hold elections in 2025. Youth electoral activism is gaining momentum, with young people demanding more representation and involvement in the political process.
In Ghana, youth are harnessing the power of social media to mobilise their peers, promoting civic education and driving voter registration efforts. Similarly, in Eswatini, young people are organising workshops, rallies, and events to boost voter education and encourage active participation in elections.
These developments show the growing importance of youth in African politics. As young people continue to demand a greater voice, we are likely to see a significant shift in how politics is done on the continent.
The future of African politics looks promising, with youth increasingly taking the reins. As we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, it is clear that youth-led activism will play a critical role in shaping the continent’s political future.
THE WAY FORWARD
Young Africans are leading the charge in driving change across the continent, using technology, innovation, and activism to tackle some of Africa’s biggest challenges. From startups and social enterprises to community-based initiatives and advocacy groups, youth are shaping Africa’s future.
As the continent continues to grow, it is clear that young Africans will play a central role in shaping its destiny. Their creativity, resilience, and drive are powering innovation and social change, building a brighter future for all.
To ensure they can continue this momentum, it is vital to invest in education, skills development, and entrepreneurship programmes. This will equip young Africans with the tools they need to succeed.
We also need to foster an environment that supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and social activism, providing access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, while promoting policies that encourage the growth of startups and social enterprises.
Governments across Africa must play a pivotal role in enabling young people to unlock their potential. Prioritising policies that promote youth development and support young entrepreneurs is essential for a brighter future.
African leaders must think creatively to develop initiatives that empower young people. Investment in education, technology, sports, and other fields where youth excel should be a priority.
