write Ebrima Faal.
Africa-Press – Mauritius. African youth and women are becoming powerful agents of change, leading movements that are reshaping the continent’s future.
Africa is home to one of the youngest populations in the world. The continent has a median age of just 18.8 years and over 60 per cent of its people are under 25. In 2020, the continent’s population of under 35s reached one billion, including 540.8 million individuals aged under 14 and 454.5 million aged 15-34. This represents roughly 22.7 per cent of the world’s youth, positioning Africa as the second-largest youth population globally, after Asia.
This demography offers immense potential for economic growth, however realising the “demographic dividend” depends on significant investments in education, skills development, and job creation.
Challenges faced
With African youth unemployment soaring to 16 million, the urgency for job creation is undeniable. Around 30 per cent of young people are underemployed, working fewer hours than desired or in roles that fail to fully utilise their skills. Additionally, about 83.1 per cent of youth employment exists in the informal sector, where job security and fair wages are often lacking. The scale of the un- and underemployment crisis requires broader programs and more substantial investments to make a meaningful impact.
Over 80 million young Africans live in extreme poverty, this is more than three-quarters of the global youth population who live in such conditions. This highlights the immense challenge of inadequate living conditions faced by Africa’s youth. Many also experience a critical shortage of urban housing, forcing large numbers to live in informal settlements without access to basic services such as clean water and sanitation. Addressing these issues through investments in affordable housing and infrastructure is essential for youth empowerment and economic stability.
Governments are falling short in addressing youth needs, with 60 per cent of Africans expressing dissatisfaction with the level of support on offer for young people. This gap is exemplified by movements like Nigeria’s #EndSARS, which highlighted the growing demand for better governance and youth engagement. Without prioritising youth issues, governments risk missing the opportunity to create a more supportive and enabling environment that fosters empowerment and growth for the continent’s young population.
Youth activism and political engagement
Youth-led protests have become a driving force for political change across Africa, particularly since the Arab Spring in 2011. These movements have challenged autocratic regimes and demanded reforms, but turning protests into lasting systemic change remains difficult, as seen in Egypt’s post-revolution struggles.
In Senegal, youth demand better governance. In Sudan, young activists were key to toppling Omar al-Bashir after 30 years in power. Kenya’s current protests, sparked by opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, have evolved into a broader movement against corruption and poor governance. Youth, undeterred by tear gas and live bullets, continue to call for President Ruto’s resignation. Their decentralised, leaderless structure has united diverse groups, making the movement difficult to suppress.
In Gambia, July 2024 saw young people leading protests in Banjul against tax policies favouring a small elite while the majority struggle. They demanded the withdrawal of the Judicial Officers Bill and the National Assembly Salaries and Pensions Bill, pushing the government to address economic hardships instead of enriching a few.
These movements show the increasing political engagement of Africa’s youth, who continue to push for meaningful reform and hold leaders accountable.
Women in youth-led protests
Women have been at the forefront of many youth-led protests, championing gender equality and political reform. In Sudan’s 2019 uprising, women like Alaa Salah became powerful symbols of the movement, demanding equal rights and contributing to the establishment of a coalition government. Women made up 70 per cent of protest leaders in Sudan, underscoring their critical role in driving change.
In Senegal, female activists within the Y’en a Marre movement pushed for women’s rights to be included in the broader political agenda. In South Africa, women have led protests against gender-based violence and climate change, demanding urgent reforms. Data shows that women are 24 per cent more likely to participate in protests cantered on gender-specific issues, underscoring their deep commitment to addressing inequalities that disproportionately affect them. Their leadership in these movements has been pivotal in pushing for legislative changes and raising awareness of these pressing concerns.
In The Gambia, women’s groups have been instrumental in advocating for the ban on Female Genital Mutilation. The Gambia’s National Assembly recently upheld the ban, a significant victory for human rights and gender equality. This outcome was largely driven by the relentless efforts of activists, survivors, and civil society organisations, with figures like Jaha Dukureh leading the charge. Their activism not only advances women’s rights but also demonstrates the broader societal impact of gender-inclusive movements.
Recommendations and prospects
To unlock the potential of Africa’s youth, governments and donors must create supportive frameworks and provide resources that encourage self-employment and entrepreneurship. Programs focused on digital skills and modern agriculture can equip young people with the tools to drive economic growth. Training in coding, digital marketing, and agribusiness will significantly boost both employability and entrepreneurial prospects.
Equally important is investing in affordable housing and infrastructure to create environments where youth can thrive. Whether in urban or rural areas, access to services and opportunities is vital for economic stability.
Governments must also involve youth directly in policymaking through advisory councils and greater representation, ensuring that their needs and aspirations are reflected in governance reforms. Empowering young women deserves particular attention, with leadership training, safe spaces for activism, and policies that uphold women’s rights. Programs that tackle gender-based violence, ensure equal access to education, and promote women’s workforce participation are essential to achieving gender equality.
Finally, fostering civic engagement and political participation is key to strengthening democracy and accountability. Educational initiatives that teach young people about their rights, the importance of voting, and how to engage with political processes will nurture active and responsible citizenship.
Investing in Africa’s youth and women is an investment in the continent’s future. Addressing challenges such as unemployment, poor living conditions, and limited government support will unlock the immense potential of these key demographics. The case is clear: youth and women cannot be overlooked. They are a formidable force, their numbers and activism making them a powerful force for change. The ability of these groups to swiftly organise and mobilise through social media amplifies their impact, ensuring that their voices grow louder.
The continued engagement of Africa’s youth and women is essential for driving systemic reforms and improving governance. Recent protests in Kenya and Gambia underscore their unwavering determination to hold leaders accountable and push for a better future. By empowering these young changemakers, Africa can look forward to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
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