In communities across our continent, the echo of the elders’ wisdom often feels like it’s drifting further away from the fast-paced, digital world our youth inhabit. 

Yet, as we look at the growing number of leadership battles clogging our courts, it is becoming clear that the missing piece in our traditional puzzle is the next generation. 

For our traditional authorities to remain the heartbeat of our society, they must not only be respected by the youth but also actively shaped by them.

The succession crisis: A call for early preparation

Africa’s greatest leadership challenge today is not a lack of talent, but a lack of preparation. Too often, we wait until a seat is vacant before we talk about who will fill it, leading to the bitter legal disputes and communal divisions we see in the headlines. 

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development has made significant strides in resolving these squabbles by appealing for a return to cultural methods of dispute resolution, but the real solution lies in long-term mentorship.

When we involve the youth early, we move away from “the leader of the future” toward “the leader in training”. By giving young people a seat at the traditional council table now—even in consultative roles—we ensure they understand the weight of the crown before they have to wear it.

New ways, ancient roots

Integrating youth into traditional structures doesn’t mean discarding our cultural norms; it means modernising how we protect them. Young people bring:

Fresh perspectives: Using technology to document oral histories or manage community land more transparently.

Dynamic Problem Solving: Finding new ways to address modern challenges like unemployment and climate change while staying true to communal values.

Cultural Sustainability: Traditional authority only stays relevant if the youth feel they have a stake in it. When young people see themselves reflected in leadership, they become the strongest defenders of their heritage. 

A path forward for both generations

To the elders: Do not fear the new ideas of the youth. 

To the youth: Do not dismiss the ancient wisdom of your elders. The goal is “harmonisation”—a system where traditional leaders and young visionaries work together to govern.

Preparation is the best antidote to conflict. By opening the doors of our traditional offices to the energy and innovation of our youth, we ensure that when the time comes for them to take the lead, they will do so with a clear vision and a steady hand, grounded in the values that make us who we are.

How can your local traditional council create a “Youth Advisory Wing” to start this transition today?

*Kevin Rukoro is a youth activist, public servant, and founder of the Anointed Levites Foundation, which focuses on youth empowerment. The views herein are his own.