With nearly 800 million young people, Africa's youth population is a substantial component of the continent's demographics. This large and growing population presents both challenges and opportunities for development. According to Abdou Samb, President of the Abdou Samb Foundation, African youth remain inadequately represented in institutions shaping their future. Samb argues that young Africans must be given a voice and the necessary resources to create their own economic activities and employ others.
The proposal for African youth to become the African Union's seventh region has been put forward. This would give young people a voice, resources, and rules based on merit. The idea is not new, as the African Union recognised the diaspora as the sixth region in 2003. However, the youth population remains underrepresented. Samb notes that no institution can create 800 million jobs, but the conditions can be created for young people to create their own economic activities.
The African Youth Charter and Agenda 2063 already exist, but implementation, financing, and public accountability are lacking. Samb emphasizes that young people should have real seats at the table, not merely consultative roles. The African Youth Fund should become operational to support the development of young Africans. Concrete action is needed to move from consultations to tangible results.
To reduce youth migration, Samb believes that young Africans need access to capital, open public markets, and institutions that treat them as partners rather than beneficiaries. Young people should be able to see a future at home, making migration a choice rather than an escape. The focus should be on creating opportunities and providing the necessary resources for young Africans to succeed.
The issue of connections and meritocracy is also crucial. Samb notes that success without a godfather exists but is rare. Institutional frameworks are needed to ensure that young people are measured by what they produce, not by who introduces them. Merit must become a practical principle of governance, employment, and opportunity.
Young entrepreneurs face significant challenges, including unequal access to credit, contracts, licences, and networks. Institutions can be slow and unpredictable, hindering the growth of youth entrepreneurship. Samb emphasizes that young people do not necessarily need favours but fair systems through which their ideas, skills, and businesses can compete.
The Abdou Samb Foundation is working to advance these objectives, including the proposal for a seventh region. The Youth Regeneration Summit in Johannesburg brought together over 1,000 young Africans to affirm the proposal. The foundation is also structuring scholarships and investment initiatives to connect young Africans with opportunities, institutions, and resources.
Key points
- African youth population represents a significant challenge and opportunity
- Young Africans must be given a voice and necessary resources to shape their future
- Implementation, financing, and public accountability are lacking in existing youth development initiatives
