The world’s ten youngest countries by median age are all African. Today’s newborns will be navigating their forties by 2063 and inherit the African Union’s Agenda 2063. A staggering 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25. The continent’s youth play a central role in all our narratives.
However, the youth face formidable challenges. Unemployment rates soar as high as 40% in some countries, signalling an urgent crisis. Equally concerning is the education gap, with UNESCO noting that over 30 million primary-school-aged children in sub-Saharan Africa are out of school, impeding crucial skills development.
Presently, youth representation in African political offices is strikingly low, with the median age of leaders at around 62 years. This gap highlights the need for policies that foster intergenerational equity transfer and meaningful youth contributions, especially at the AU level.
The AU Commission’s Youth Division underscores the value of mentorship and civic education programmes. Countries that have implemented these initiatives witnessed increased youth participation in voting and leadership roles.
Africa’s creative sector should be a leading area of youth employment. The sector holds immense economic potential, as noted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The creative sector is estimated to be worth $2.25 trillion globally, yet Africa’s share is minimal due to low intellectual property (IP) rights ownership.
The global animation industry alone grosses about $300 billion dollars annually but only a fraction of that value accrues in Africa. However, the IP rights are not owned by African animators, thus most of the revenue does not stay on the continent. Investment in the creative sector, coupled with effective policy to incentivise protection of African IP, could stimulate job creation and economic diversification.
A surge in African patent applications, as reported by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), signals growing innovation. Governments and private entities should capitalise on this trend by investing in creative hubs – such as Uganda’s Innovation Village – and supporting emerging artists and entrepreneurs.
Investing in education is crucial, given the strong link between education and socio-economic development. Governments must prioritise education funding, ensuring curricula are aligned with modern job market needs.
The transformative role of technology in empowering Africa’s youth is significant. The continent is expected to record the highest fixed broadband subscriptions growth rate between 2024 and 2027 globally. Leveraging technology for political engagement is crucial to increase civic participation and youth engagement in political processes.
The challenges and opportunities facing Africa’s youth in leadership and the creative sector reveal a roadmap for transformative change. By addressing these challenges through youth inclusion, evidence-based policies and strategic investments, Africa can unlock its demographic dividend and empower its young population to actively shape the continent’s future.
A data-driven approach is essential to ensure that the youth not only become beneficiaries but active contributors to Africa’s socio-economic and political landscape.