Fred Putin discusses Africa leadership and how young youth can lead government across the continent.
In 2022, data from the World Economic Forum (WEF) showed that more than 60% of Africa’s population fell under the age of 25. It is expected that by 2030, young Africans will constitute 42% of global youth. Clearly, Africa leadership will increasingly rely on young people.
Africa’s massive demographic result has given the continent a powerful opportunity to excel in innovation, creativity, energy, sport, entrepreneurship, politics, education, and technology. Young leadership in Africa can leverage these opportunities.
Africa’s first Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Kofi Annan, once said ‘Any society that does not succeed in tapping into the energy and creativity of its youth will be left behind’.
It’s not only important to pay attention to the future of youths in any society. It is also of great benefit for African countries to allow youths to lead so that they can help Africa achieve progress through their energy, creativity, and innovation. Thus, young youth lead initiatives.
The Current State of Leadership in Africa
The current leadership landscape in Africa is highly dominated by older men from the age of 60 and above. This has significantly affected the growth of the African continent because, with youth, older men in leadership positions would have fresh ideas and modern perspectives on solving complex challenges. Africa leadership by young people could foster these new solutions.
Youthful age is synonymous with innovation, and solutions to any new age, especially technology-wise.
Benefits of Young Leadership
- Youthful Energy and Motivation
Young leaders have the advantage of physical, mental, and emotional strength. This is something leadership positions in Africa need. Youths in leadership positions can also serve as motivation and inspire other youths to work towards a common goal for the good of the continent. Consequently, Africa leadership young youth lead initiatives could bring great benefits.
- Innovation and creativity
Young leaders can be useful to Africa by bringing fresh and working ideas to solve complex challenges. The world is evolving, and the participation of youths in leadership can bring more life, insights, and innovations to the advancement of the African continent. Youthful leadership will encourage innovation across Africa’s continents.
- Digital Literacy
The ingenuity of youths today has placed them on a level to navigate complex situations or challenges using technology.
The world is moving into a strong digital phase rapidly. Africa will need people who are digitally literate to maximize and dominate the digital space for the significant growth of the continent. No demography would do a better job than youths given their exuberance.
How Africa Can Onboard Young Leaders
Africa needs young leaders to drive the development and growth of its nations. Young leaders have unique sets of skills, experience, and perspectives that can help solve complex challenges that reside in Africa. Therefore, it becomes imperative that in terms of Africa leadership young youth lead the way.
Notwithstanding, some challenges have prevented young leaders from occupying leadership positions in Africa, but then these challenges can be addressed by:
- Providing leadership or mentorship programs where young people can be trained and exposed to practical exercises and situations to be better leaders.
- Creating youth empowerment programs that can stimulate creativity and innovation so youths can work and engage their minds effectively.
- Providing policy reforms that can help give the youth opportunities in politics and governance to motivate and inspire them to work hard towards leadership.
Nelson Mandela once said ‘Youth are the leaders of tomorrow’. To buy into this idea, creating a good platform that can build youths today will also help create a better society tomorrow.