The new era has finally dawned on us. The youths’ voices are now becoming audible and louder with each passing day. Especially in Africa. We are believed to have the youngest population in the world. Young African leaders are seen taking seats at various parliaments meetings. Let’s call for a bigger youth revolution!
The youths are already in action. Citing the recent elections in various countries across the continent, it is quite evident the youth are stepping up and taking up these leadership roles. They are not backing down. They are tired of their pleas falling on deaf ears.
When talking of deaf years, we are referring to the ignorance and assumptions made by some existing governments that very much promised on improving the livelihoods of the youth. Alas! Those were no more than empty promises.
Why youth revolution now, is it the right time?
The numbers are overwhelming. Youth in Africa constituted 19% of the global youth populace in 2015. That is approximately 226 million people! Now these are persons aged between 15-24 years. By 2030 it is predicted that the number of youths in Africa will have augmented to 42%. The wave is accumulating people!
With the growing number of youth in Africa, not much is done for them. Unemployment continues to be a menace facing the African youth. Statistics from the World Bank show 60% of all Africans unemployed constitute the youth.
The youth are faced with a ticking time bomb. Either to help themselves by helping their respective nations or come with their own business. Or even work for their families in order to provide for themselves. This only translates to a bunch of untapped resources that the governments remain to be unaware. The need for them to partake in the development processes in their countries is arising.
How the youths will achieve change in demand
You must have heard of a saying that most people like to use. Especially in political arenas. The majority wins. This is exactly how the youths are tackling their problems. They have the upper hand when it comes to population.
Youths are using this advantage to voice themselves. This is how they are getting those seats in the parliaments. It is through their votes. Countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia, morocco, Cameroon, Zambia, Tanzania, and others are setting a good example of showing the youth they can take up leadership.
Not only just take leadership roles to gain power, but to help the youth voice their concerns and petitions to the governments. You can be sure that when there are elections and the political race is against a youth, the victorious one is the youth.
The big obstacle
The need for power! Some African leaders have enslaved their own people! They are very adamant when it comes to change, as much as it is inevitable. This has a result enforced some leaders to stay in power for too long. Even at an old age.
If you asked me I would tell you they probably even have some trust issues. They do not believe in the youth that much. Their judgments concerning the youth have clouded their minds.
I believe with the right apprenticeship and education; the youth are able to foster development. After all we all were once youths. And the same developments is right with the youth, the present youth can do much well especially with the present technology.
As a young, energetic and full of different man power skills can all become powerful with better decision making skills and leadership skills. And the continent will be up and running smoothly towards development.
The youth need this opportunity!
More:
- COVID-19: Liberian youth makes masks from African print.
- Will Africa’s Digital Revolution Attract Youths for Agriculture?
- Effects of gambling among Kenyan youth
