Iyaloo M. Shikola
The involvement of the youth in the past, present, and future of Africa’s developmental road map and sustainable strategies is an increasingly important topic of discussion.
The continent continues to face numerous challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and political instability, therefore, it is crucial to explore how the younger generation can play a role in shaping a more prosperous and sustainable future.
The youth are not only the future leaders but also the present agents of change, as they bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a strong desire for progress. This article, inspired by the theme of The African University Student’s Platform (AUSP) Conference that has been scheduled to take place from 16-18 November this year, aims to examine the historical involvement of the youth in Africa’s development, analyse their current contributions, and propose strategies to ensure their active participation in shaping a sustainable future for the continent.
It is quite evident that the involvement of young people in the development of Africa’s road map has evolved over time. During the era of colonialism, young Africans were largely excluded from decision-making processes and were seen as passive recipients of development policies.
However, with the rise of nationalist movements in the mid-20th century, young people played a pivotal role in advocating for independence and self-determination.
Today, youth participation in Africa’s developmental road map is more formalised, with governments and international organisations recognising the importance of including young people in policy-making and implementation. Through initiatives such as youth parliaments and youth-led organisations, young Africans have been able to actively contribute to the formulation and implementation of sustainable strategies. Looking towards the future, it is crucial to continue nurturing youth involvement in Africa’s developmental road map, as their energy, creativity, and diverse perspectives hold the key to addressing the continent’s pressing challenges and ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future.
Africa is witnessing a growing youth population, therefore, it is imperative to harness young people’s potential and engage them in the continent’s sustainable strategies. African countries should recognise the need to actively involve the youth in decision-making processes, policy formulation, and developmental initiatives.
Young people in Africa should acquaint themselves with the challenges they face, including unemployment, poverty, and lack of access to quality education to consequently rise to the occasion of making significant contributions towards shaping Africa’s future.
Through initiatives such as youth entrepreneurship programmes and skills development training, African governments, non-governmental organisations, and international stakeholders can collaborate to create opportunities for the youth to actively participate in the continent’s developmental road map.
Additionally, advancements in technology and digital connectivity will provide the youth with platforms to voice their opinions, share ideas, and mobilise themselves for collective action.
As Africa continues to navigate its developmental road map and seeks sustainable strategies, the involvement of youth will be crucial in shaping its future prospects. The past has shown that young people have often been marginalised in decision-making processes, despite being a significant demographic within the continent.
However, the present is witnessing a shift in attitudes and recognition of the invaluable contributions youth can make to Africa’s development. Efforts are being made to engage young people in political, economic, and social spheres, as their unique perspectives, energy, and innovative ideas can drive positive change. By actively involving the youth in Africa’s developmental road map, there is a renewed hope for a more inclusive and prosperous future for the continent.
Young people should be given opportunities to voice their thoughts on the developmental agenda of the Africa we want, because the youth is the future, and only by empowering and involving them in decision-making processes can Africa truly achieve its developmental road map and create a sustainable and prosperous future for all its inhabitants.
* Iyaloo M Shikola is a youth leader, passionate about community development and youth empowerment. Reach out to her at imshikola@gmail.com