This is really quite simple and not a new revelation – the majority of people in Africa is young. Statistics vary, but one statistic which is consistently repeated is that 80% of people in Africa is under the age of thirty-five. Another statistic is that 80% of people in Africa are illiterate.
What this implies is that the majority of people in Africa is currently not able to participate in the creation of wealth and wellbeing because of lack of experience related to their youthful age and inadequate education. In fact, 80% of people in Africa are dependent on the 20% of
people that are earning money. Meanwhile, governments are really looking at only 20% of the population ('adults') as being its main constituency. Youth, who form the clear majority, is not taken seriously enough.
The biggest difference between the West and Africa is age: ageing populations in the West have huge implications for consumer market growth, while looking to the youthfulness of Africa, market growth is unlimited. My vision is to look at the flip side of the coin and focus on why Africa being young is such an incredible opportunity for our time: if the skills level of youth in Africa can be elevated through better education systems and access to technology, the number of people that can contribute to the economy can triple. This will broaden the tax base considerably, lifting the burden off the 20% that are currently 'carrying' the rest.
Another statistic that is often used is that 50% of all people in Africa is under the age of 15. When we project that number into the future, this means that around 30% of the electorate has reached or is nearing the voting age of 18 in every country in Africa. If that 30% starts voting against the very governments that are ignoring their needs, the shift in power can be fast and furious. In South Africa, the influence of the ANC Youth League is currently consistently being downplayed by senior ANC politicians. The possibility for a post-struggle political youth is a very real opportunity to change government policies. In other words, capture the votes of the youth in Africa and you can capture the seats of government. Youth can influence government policy, simply because young people are in the majority. This is real power, even in a country that does not adhere to democratic principles.
In closing: Africa has something the West is aching for: YOUTH. This can be a strong bargaining card in negotiations for better global deals and must not be ignored.
The 'Young Africa VISION' is about ideas on how the potential of youth in Africa can be developed and how the advantages of being a continent of youth can be used to chart a new, better course for Africa.
