Key Points
- African youth are driving political change through activism and protests.
- Young entrepreneurs are shaping Africa’s digital economy and creating jobs.
- Social justice movements, led by youth, are changing cultural norms.
In recent years, the influence of Africa’s youth in determining the continent’s destiny has become increasingly significant. Over 60% of Africa’s population is under 25, making youth pivotal to the continent’s socio-political and economic change.
Political mobilization and youth-driven activism
According to global voices, The political impact of Africa’s young has been evidenced by various prominent movements. Social media platforms have emerged as essential instruments for orchestrating protests, enhancing awareness, and mobilizing large groups around the continent.
An illustrative instance is the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria, when youth mobilized in 2020 to advocate for the dissolution of a notorious police unit.
In South Africa, the #FeesMustFall movement, initiated in 2015, involved university students orchestrating protests against escalating tuition prices and advocating for enhanced accessibility to higher education.
Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge, renowned for his world-record marathon, exemplifies how youthful leadership may shape national discussions on education, sports, and health.
Economic innovation driven by youth
The youth of Africa are significantly influencing the continent’s economy. Entrepreneurship serves as a significant catalyst for change, as young Africans increasingly seek inventive solutions to local challenges. The emergence of technology centres, especially in places such as Nairobi, Lagos, and Cape Town, illustrates the increasing impact of youth on Africa’s digital economy.
Startups led by youth are propelling innovation in industries including fintech, agritech, and e-commerce. Mobile money services such as M-Pesa, initially established by Kenyan entrepreneurs, have transformed financial inclusion in East Africa.
In Nigeria, businesses such as Paystack and Flutterwave are transforming the digital payment ecosystem, whilst in South Africa, firms like Zando and Yoco are leading advancements in e-commerce and digital payments within the retail industry.
Social Change: cultural movements and digital activism
Afrobeat music, spearheaded by singers such as Burna Boy and Wizkid, has emerged as a global phenomenon, reconfiguring African culture and elevating the voices of African youth internationally.
#The worldwide #MeToo movement has significantly impacted Africa, with young women in nations such as South Africa and Kenya advocating against gender-based violence and asserting their demands for equal rights in political, social, and economic domains.
Despite their increasing importance, African youth encounter various hurdles that jeopardize their capacity for societal transformation. According to African development bank, unemployment is a critical issue, with millions of young Africans unable to secure permanent, lucrative employment.
The impact of African youth on societal transformation is indisputable. Young Africans are in the forefront of transforming the continent’s future through political activity, economic innovation, social justice movements, and cultural rebirth.
