Why Africa’s Future Depends on Including Young People in Decision-Making

Africa cannot achieve its full economic and social potential without giving young people a meaningful role in shaping policies, driving innovation and making decisions about the continent’s future.

Although Africa is widely recognised as the world’s youngest continent, young people are often excluded from important discussions about economic development, trade, education, technology and governance. The problem is not a lack of talent, ambition or innovative ideas among young Africans, but the failure of many institutions to recognise them as essential partners in development.

Across the continent, young people are already making significant contributions to economic growth. They are establishing businesses, developing new technologies, creating international brands and transforming different industries. From fintech startups in Nigeria and climate solutions in Kenya to films in South Africa, fashion brands in Côte d’Ivoire and African music gaining international recognition, young people are demonstrating their ability to drive change.

Africa’s Growing Youth Population Presents a Major Opportunity

Africa’s greatest resource extends beyond its oil, minerals and agricultural land. Its rapidly growing population, particularly its young people, represents one of its most valuable assets.

According to the World Economic Forum, more than three-quarters of Africa’s population is under the age of 35. The African Development Bank has also projected that the continent’s youth population will exceed 830 million by 2050.

By that time, Africa is expected to account for one in every four people worldwide and possess the largest workforce globally.

This population growth could position the continent as a major force in the global economy. However, achieving that potential will depend on whether governments can provide young people with quality education, employment opportunities, access to finance and the right environment to develop their skills.

A large youth population does not automatically translate into economic prosperity. Without adequate investment and opportunities, it can also expose countries to rising unemployment, poverty and social inequality.

Youth Unemployment Remains a Major Challenge

Despite their growing contributions to society, many young Africans continue to struggle to find decent employment.

The International Labour Organisation has highlighted the challenges young people face in accessing stable jobs, with many working in informal employment or accepting jobs that do not fully utilise their skills.

Estimates from the African Development Bank indicate that between 10 million and 12 million young Africans enter the labour market annually, while only about three million formal jobs are created.

This significant gap between the number of job seekers and available formal employment remains one of the continent’s major development challenges.

For years, much of the discussion has focused on preparing young people for the future. However, there is an equally important question: how can governments and institutions adapt to the future that young Africans are already creating?

Addressing this challenge requires more than expanding educational opportunities. It also demands policies that support entrepreneurship, encourage investment, promote innovation and enable young people to participate meaningfully in economic decision-making.

Young Entrepreneurs Are Driving Economic Growth

Across Africa, young entrepreneurs are creating solutions to local problems while building businesses with the potential to compete internationally.

Data from the African Development Bank and the African Union indicate that micro, small and medium-sized enterprises account for approximately 90 per cent of businesses and more than 80 per cent of employment across the continent.

Many of these businesses are established or managed by young entrepreneurs working in technology, agriculture, renewable energy, digital services and other emerging industries.

Their activities are helping to create jobs, attract investment, expand markets and introduce new products and services.

However, many young business owners continue to face difficulties accessing affordable finance, navigating complex regulations and obtaining the infrastructure required to expand their operations.

Governments must therefore create policies that make it easier for young entrepreneurs to establish and grow sustainable businesses.

Improving access to credit, supporting business development programmes and strengthening digital infrastructure could help unlock more opportunities for young people while contributing to broader economic growth.

Africa’s Creative Industry Offers More Opportunities

The creative economy has also emerged as an important source of employment, investment and international recognition for Africa.

Industries such as music, film, fashion, gaming, design and digital content are increasingly attracting global audiences and creating opportunities for young Africans.

Afrobeats continues to reach listeners around the world, African films are appearing on international streaming platforms, and fashion designers are showcasing their creations on major runways. Meanwhile, digital content creators are building large audiences and developing businesses through online platforms.

These developments demonstrate that Africa’s cultural industries are not merely sources of entertainment. They can also generate foreign exchange, create jobs, promote tourism and strengthen the continent’s international influence.

According to UNESCO, Africa’s film and audiovisual sector has the potential to create more than 20 million jobs and generate over $20 billion in annual revenue if supported by increased investment, stronger intellectual property protection and better distribution systems.

Realising this potential will require governments to develop policies that reflect the needs of the people working within these industries.

Young creatives need access to funding, professional training, modern production facilities and effective systems for protecting their intellectual property. They also need opportunities to participate in decisions affecting the growth and regulation of their industries.

Young People Must Be More Than Participants at Conferences

One of the major concerns surrounding youth inclusion is that young people are often invited to discussions without being given meaningful influence over the final decisions.

They may attend conferences, participate in panel discussions or be asked to represent the views of their generation. However, their contributions do not always translate into policies or practical action.

This approach fails to recognise the roles young Africans already play in their communities and economies.

Young people are entrepreneurs, employers, investors, taxpayers, innovators, artists and community leaders. Their experiences give them valuable insight into the challenges facing the continent and the solutions needed to address them.

Governments must therefore move beyond symbolic participation and create opportunities for young people to contribute directly to policymaking.

Their involvement should extend to national development plans, trade negotiations, education reforms, technology policies and decisions concerning employment and economic growth.

Meaningful inclusion would allow policymakers to benefit from fresh ideas while ensuring that government programmes reflect the realities facing younger generations.

Governments Urged to Give Young Africans Greater Influence

To unlock the full benefits of Africa’s growing youth population, governments must take practical steps to include young people in leadership and decision-making.

This includes appointing qualified young leaders to national advisory councils, involving youth representatives in economic and trade discussions, improving access to finance for young entrepreneurs and reforming education systems to reflect the demands of modern industries.

Governments must also address regulatory barriers that prevent young businesses from expanding and create stronger support systems for innovation and creative enterprise.

Such measures would help ensure that young Africans are not simply prepared to inherit existing institutions but are also empowered to improve them.

Although some organisations are beginning to embrace this approach, more sustained action is needed to make youth participation a central part of Africa’s development agenda.

Elevate Africa Convening Seeks to Amplify Youth Voices

One initiative highlighted in the discussion is the upcoming Elevate Africa Convening in Accra, which aims to position young Africans as decision-makers rather than passive observers.

According to the announcement, the gathering will produce a Youth Communiqué containing recommendations developed by young leaders. The document is expected to be formally presented to heads of state and traditional leaders during the closing plenary.

The initiative is intended to create a platform through which young Africans can communicate their priorities and contribute ideas on the continent’s future.

Its importance will depend not only on the recommendations presented but also on whether leaders take them seriously and translate them into concrete policies and programmes.

For youth participation to make a lasting difference, such initiatives must be connected to decision-making processes that allow young people to influence outcomes rather than simply express their opinions.

Africa Cannot Build Its Future Without Young People

Africa’s future will depend significantly on how effectively it harnesses the creativity, energy and abilities of its young population.

The continent has enormous opportunities in technology, agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy and the creative economy. However, taking advantage of these opportunities will require institutions that are responsive to the needs and ideas of younger generations.

Young Africans have already demonstrated their capacity to establish businesses, develop innovative solutions and compete in international markets. What they need is an environment that supports their ambitions and gives them a genuine voice in shaping the policies that affect their lives.

The responsibility now rests with governments, traditional institutions, businesses and development organisations to move beyond simply consulting young people and begin working with them as equal partners in progress.

Africa cannot afford to treat its young population as a group that will only become important in the future. Young people are already contributing to the continent’s economy and transformation.

Giving them meaningful roles in leadership and policymaking is therefore not merely a gesture of inclusion. It is a necessary investment in Africa’s long-term stability, prosperity and global competitiveness.

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