ACTIVATE, ENGAGE, IMPLEMENT: YOUTH PROACTIVITY KEY TO ACCELERATING AFRICA’S PROGRESS

“If you ask your typical African about Africa Agenda 2063, out of 10, if 2 know about Africa Agenda 2063 you’ll be lucky. If you ask them about the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, 10, if 2 know you will be lucky.”

These are the words of Professor PLO Lumumba during his powerful address at the 10th National Security Symposium in Kigali this month during which he called attention to a very pertinent issue every progressive African should ponder upon seriously.

Apathy: Justifiable? Yes. Acceptable? No.

Due to the immense challenges they face, many #AfricanYouth are sometimes overcome by cynicism on the possibility of achieving any significant positive change. Consequently, we become apathetic and abstain from engaging and contributing to development blueprints in our societies.

Much as this cynicism and apathy may be justifiable, it is not in the least right, constructive, or acceptable. That’s because development blueprints like the Kenya Vision 2030, #AfCFTA, and Africa Agenda 2063 play a vital role in our socioeconomic development as young Kenyans and Africans.

The Role of Development Blueprints in Achieving Progress

(a)???Help to clearly outline and articulate our development objectives, strategies, and expected outcomes

(b)??Provide a detailed and comprehensive framework for guiding implementation of development programs

(c)???Offer leaders an effective mechanism and unifying vision around which to galvanize society for inclusive, and sustainable progress

(d)??Provide an effective accountability mechanism for measuring the progress achieved, examining the enablers of success, and interrogating the causes of failure

(e)???Provide a benchmark for designing future developmental goals that are more practical, impactful, and sustainable

Therefore, if we are to create the #AfricaWeWant, we as African youth must become more proactive in not just discussing but contributing to the conceptualization and actualization of our national and regional development blueprints.

Resilience Vital in Overcoming Cynicism among African Youth

Admittedly, the tough challenges we face can breed some cynicism in us. However, apathy is not the answer. Disengagement is not the answer. Neither is total ignorance to development conversations going on around us.

No. The answer is more proactivity, more passion, and more participation. That way, awareness of such #development plans will spread widely. This expanded awareness will in turn influence #socio-political discourse, activate engagement, accelerate decision making and ultimately result in tangible progress.

The Africa We Want is Close, Just a Couple of Actions Away

Towards the achievement of increased youth engagement and participation, organizations like the National Youth Caucus Kenya , Collaborative Approach Consultancy , and YouthUp Global have a vital role to play by creating awareness and providing leadership of thought and action.

Therefore, I call upon all African #Youth to rise up to their responsibility of being active contributors to development efforts instead of just being spectators. Let’s activate, engage, and implement! That’s the only way to create the Africa we want. So let’s go!

CC: National Youth Caucus Kenya Lucy Mutuku Keshoe Kilerai Harun Mwadena Muyesi Joyce Montet KE Dr. Faith N. Gathoni Kungu African Union Youth Volunteer Corps AfricanUnion Andreann Ndebu Amine L. Elizabeth Mueni Kimulu, PhD, OGW Adedoyin Oluyemi Nyandusi Ayako Nyachae "Coach Dus" Dummy Page Nyachae Leadership Solutions International Betty Samantha Poliana Dini Sperandio Shiddika Mohamed Simon Gosling Dr Juma Mukhwana, PhD, CBS Sarah James Dominic Mbithi Nadia Ahmed Abdalla Dumisani Lingamangali Ncube United Nations - Youth Commentary United Nations Office at Nairobi Nyachae Leadership