WHAT IF AFRICA'S DEVELOPMENT DEPENDED ON THE QUALITY OF ITS HUMAN RESOURCES?

"Each generation must discover its mission, fulfill it or betray it, in relative opacity".

Frantz Fanon

What if Africa's true potential is indeed in the hands of its youth?

Recent statistics from the United Nations projects the world could attain a population of 8 billion inhabitants by November 15, 2022, and that the planet will have 9.7 billion inhabitants in 2050 and peak at around 10.4 billion in the 2080s. The African continent houses over 1.4 billion of that population. Figures from the UN shows that Africa has the youngest population in the world, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30. Such a high number of young people is an opportunity for the continent’s growth – but only if these new generations are fully empowered to realise their best potential. It has never been this important that young people are included in decision making and given appropriate opportunities for work and to innovate.?

Africa is often depicted as the continent of famine, coups, poverty and civil wars. Barely known for its vast mineral reservoir, as world statistics don't showcase the continent enough to accept that it houses 40% of all arable land, or it is the continent of Gold, Diamond and cobalt. Although famously known as the continent of AID, many programmes and approaches have long failed to significantly advance the development agenda of the continent. Since the 1950s till date, the African continent has received over 3 trillion dollars in foreign Aid, nonetheless, the development situation of the continent is little to write home about. A good number of persons still lack basic human needs such as water, food or medication; some cannot benefit from basic human rights such as education, the right to freedom of speech or choice. Despite the poor aggregates of the continent, there is still lots of hope. This hope emanates from the dynamic and vigorous youth population. In some African countries like Cameroon, over 50% of the total populace is constituted of young persons aged 14-25.

What if the key to Africa's sustainable development is in the hands of its youth? A continent which produces over 3 million degree holders every year, where young people are providing innovative solutions to some of the world's worst impediments slowing down progress and development. Having a young population brings many opportunities for economic growth and innovation, if these opportunities can be recognised and utilised.?That has been the case with the YALI Regional Leadership Center - West Africa - Dakar . A rigorous and intensive program which brings together over 80 diverse and motivated youth, fostering dialogue and action in their different communities. It actually dawn on me that, the solution to the myriads of problems which Africa faces is its Youth.

Young people have the possibility to drive peace in areas that are already affected by conflict:Young people are contributing daily to the benefit of their communities and nations across Africa. From providing support to the elderly, to advocating for justice and equality, young people have proven their centrality to building and sustaining healthy communities.

They are innovative and ambitious, ready to take on them the heavy responsibilities which awaits them. This is what I saw during my time in Dakar. Young and dynamic ladies promoting TICS in Ivory Coast; people with disability advocating for the rights of minorities in Cameroon, Togo and Mali; tenacious girls fostering social responsibilities through peace education in Mali, courageous men and women questioning the status quo and discussing taboo topics in Mauritania, Guinee-Bissau, and Gabon; conscious youth providing innovative approaches to curb the climate problem in the Congo and Cameroon, creative entrepreneurs using our problems and transforming it into financial gains in Tchad and Djibouti, and not forgetting those advocating for security, health and equitable development for all in countries like Burkina Faso, Seychelles and Benin.

Never before in my being have I been surrounded by such a huge number of African youth who have a common objective, a common goal; that of contributing positively in the development of our beloved continent. I remain more optimistic that ever, that if the youth are involved in decision making, they will be further recognised as equal partners and as right holders – Not only as victims. Because being involved makes you feel concerned about the problems in the community – and pushes you to have a positive social impact.

Proper guidance as well cannot be undermined, this accounts for why programs like the YALI Regional leadership program needs further funding, alongside the support of local initiatives, and/or organisations such as Open Dreams Educational NGO remains pivotal in promoting youth leadership and participation. The hour has come for the older generation to trust the young ones, to give them the possibility for trial and error, and to mould them to become the next civic engaged individuals needed to accentuate our common objectives, in a unified and coordinated manner. Because If not now then when? because if not us then who? if not here in our very continent, then where?