Youth Leadership in African Governance [Twitter Space]
Tuesday, 17 January 2023
The phrase, "Youth are Africa’s greatest asset,” is almost overused (and probably should be). It is a reminder that the African continent must reflect youthfulness in its governance, as well as in its approach to sustainable development. Across sectors, young people are a demographic majority in Africa – and 2023 presents an opportunity for reflection on some of the ways in which youth are being, and can be, integrated into Africa’s governance architecture.
Integration is the operative word here.
Youth inclusion should not require creating adjacent or parallel support structures that allow for their input. Instead, youth leaders must be fully integrated into existing structures for maximum impact, while at the same time, identifying ways to refocus structures in which youth have been traditionally ignored or marginalized.
The call for the greater integration of Africa’s youth is built on the premise that there are many ways in which the continent’s youth are already involved in important decision-making and governance processes. This conversation will therefore focus on what we can learn from the successes of these models – and importantly, what can be done to expand the results.
This Twitter Space featured leading youth voices from across Africa that are working models of inclusion and explored how these young leaders can be more effective going forward. In doing so, we hope to foster an elevated understanding of the role that youth can play in governance across Africa, as well as in national and continental governance structures, while developing deeper networks of solidarity among those who are committed to Africa’s long-term development.
Moderation
Mantate Mlotshwa
Mantate Mlotshwa is a passionate advocate for the meaningful contribution of women and youth to democracy and governance processes. The Founder of the creative brand U Motle, she has earned a reputation for speaking her mind and promoting positive messages of liberation and emancipation in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith is an award-winning human rights campaigner, social media influencer, and a prolific writer. He is co-creator of The Resistance Bureau and also founding director of Vanguard Africa, a global nonprofit organization that partners with visionary African leaders to build campaigns for democracy and ethical leadership.