African youth urge inclusion in decision-making to tackle challenges

Arusha. Young people across Africa are calling on government leaders to include them in decision-making processes aimed at addressing their challenges.

This push for inclusion is seen as crucial to preventing conflicts between youth and current political leaders, often arising from decisions made without their input.

According to the latest United Nations estimates, Africa's population stands at 1.5 billion as of November 2024, with 70 percent of this demographic under the age of 30.

Marion Sttechy, the Youth Ambassador of the East African Community (EAC) from Kenya, emphasized the potential of this youth population for the continent's growth, stating, “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 realize their best potential.”

Sttechy made these remarks at the ongoing 8th Youth Conference, ‘Youlead,’ in Arusha, which has gathered over 300 young leaders from various African nations. Haggai Jesam, the EAC Youth Ambassador from Tanzania, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that youth involvement in politics and society is not merely about inclusion, but essential for fostering economic growth, innovation, peace, and security.

“It is important that youth are involved in decision-making. We must be recognized as equal partners and right-holders – not just as victims. By leveraging the youth population, governments can address challenges in health services, education, technology, and infrastructure,” Jesam stated.

The ‘Youlead’ conference aims to identify, recognize, and connect young leaders across Africa, with a focus on unlocking their potential to create a prosperous continent, particularly in education, economy, and technology.

The head of the Program and Training Department at the MS Training Center for Development Cooperation (MS-TCDC), Saidy Omary, noted that while the conference traditionally brought together youth from EAC countries, this year’s event has expanded to include participants from other African nations.

“The goal is to discuss and exchange experiences on issues concerning youth, especially leadership, and to collaboratively address their challenges for the prosperity of Africa as a whole,” Omary explained.

The conference theme, ‘Empowering youth to view education as a critical asset in the context of development in Africa,’ will align discussions on how technology can help young people navigate economic challenges through innovation.