Africa’s youth represent both the continent’s greatest asset and its most significant challenge. With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the continent is home to the world’s youngest population, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA, 2023). This demographic dividend offers immense potential for economic growth, innovation, and development—if effectively harnessed.

Africa’s population is projected to double by 2050, reaching nearly 2.5 billion people, as per United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) data. By then, one-third of the world’s youth will be African. Nigeria alone, already the most populous country in Africa, is expected to surpass 400 million people, with a significant proportion under the age of 30.

This rapid population growth highlights the urgency to invest in cultural education and infrastructure to support the youth bulge. Failure to do so could exacerbate unemployment, poverty, and social unrest, while effective planning could turn this demographic into a catalyst for unprecedented development.

For many African Cultural Education remains a cornerstone for unlocking Africa’s potential in empowering youth about their potentials and available opportunities, african centered development as stipulated in Agenda 2063 of the African Union – The Africa we want.

• According to UNESCO (2023), more than 98 million African children and youth are out of school, with many lacking access to quality education and vocational training, what if we invest in the cultural education such as farming, villages will regain its pwoer, we shall see more youth relocate back to their villages.
• A study by African Development Bank (AfDB) reports that over 50% of Africa’s graduates are unemployed, primarily due to a mismatch between skills and market demands.

Investing in the cultural education systems, empwoering grassroot movements, creating awareness, entrepreneurship, and training is critical to preparing Africa’s youth for the development of Africa

Youth unemployment is one of the continent’s most pressing issues. The International Labour Organization (ILO) states that in Sub-Saharan Africa, youth unemployment rates hover around 13.5%, while informal employment accounts for over 85% of total jobs,  lack of decent job opportunities leaves many young Africans vulnerable to poverty, forced migration, and involvement in illicit activities, while the chinese and other nations see opportunities on the continent, the African child sees Africa through one sided narratives.

Despite these challenges, Africa’s youth if supported, will be drivers of change in areas such as technology, entrepreneurship and others creating opportunities for themselves on the continent

Africa is witnessing a surge in youth-driven technological innovation. Startups like M-Pesa, Flutterwave, and Andela, which were founded by young Africans, have demonstrated the transformative power of technology.

According to GSMA, mobile technology contributes approximately $155 billion to Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP, largely driven by young innovators.

African youth are leveraging entrepreneurial skills to create jobs and address local challenges. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) reports that Africa has the world’s highest entrepreneurship rate, with 22% of working-age Africans involved in early-stage entrepreneurial activity.

Young Africans are at the forefront of environmental activism. Leaders like Vanessa Nakate from Uganda are amplifying the voices of African youth in the global fight, demanding justice for the continent.

To capitalize on the potential of Africa’s youth, The Africa we want e.V Germany calls on the European Union and partners of Africa -governments, international organizations, and private sectors to partner with us.

Currently we are seeking for interested partners and supporters to fund our organization – The African we want e.V, we have the know-how to help Africa, our platforms promote industrialization, agriculture, and entrepreneurship to create sustainable employment opportunities for Africa’s growing young population, engage youth involvement in decision-making processes at all levels of governance.

Africa’s youth are the continent’s greatest resource, offering immense potential to drive growth and development. However, to realize this potential, investments in education, job creation, and inclusive policies are urgently needed. With the right support, Africa’s young population can transform challenges into opportunities and build a prosperous future for the continent. Join us, together we make Africa Great Again!