In the spring of life?

In North Africa they tweet and facebook to unite against autocrats while in other countries, their frustrations are simmering. In Benin they stood for hours in the scorching heat to cast their ballots to elect the candidate they believed would bring change. In Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa and other countries, they seize opportunities to bring new ideas to the table and stimulate political debate for better management of the economy. Today, Africa’s youth are anything but expendable in the process of development.

However, as stated by the UN Secretary General Ban on Africa Day (25 May 2011), the young people (between 15-35 years of age) are “one of Africa’s greatest untapped resources.” Every year about 9 million young people enter the labor market. But there aren’t 9 million jobs for them. With 60% of the population under 25 years of age according to the 2010 Africa Economic Outlook, Africa possesses the largest pool of young talent and workers in the world. Despite advances in education and economic growth, progress remains fragile, inequalities are widespread, and young Africans face major difficulties in finding decent jobs and participating in decision-making.

The AU has acknowledged the importance of youth participation in the process of economic growth and development, and has consequently organized the next AU summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, to address youth empowerment for sustainable development. Youth are assets to societies and can help drive economic prosperity if the appropriate institutions, policies and programmes are in place. With an ever increasing population, job creation and youth unemployment should, more than ever, be at the forefront of Africa’s growth agenda over the next decade.

In some cases, the question of empowering youth may seem awkward, particularly in countries where frustrated youth have contributed to the toppling of long-standing leaders. However, regime change does not guarantee access to education, healthcare, and credit nor does it guarantee that the next government will be more responsive to the youths’ needs. Tending to the challenge posed by such a young continent, reveals the need for a shift -not only necessary in the political sphere- but in all sectors of the economy. It is time to make way for new generations and empower them to fulfill the continent’s potential – to ensure they are part of the solution rather than problem.

At next week’s AU Summit, youth across the continent will be watching their leaders closely with hope that the wind of enthusiasm that is spreading across the continent does not turn into a storm of frustration when the Summit concludes. Young Africans as the new ‘drivers of change’ can push for and demand new kind of leadership and innovation. Let’s hope that their message gets across.