Africa’s young population has been booming for decades and is building to a crescendo. A tectonic shift is now underway, and this major demographic change will transform the international order and balance of power in our multilateral systems.
More than 60% of the continent’s population is under the age of 25, and they are giving voice and urgency to a wide range of issues — from clean energy and sustainable growth to technology and health innovations. Their views and recommendations will inform global processes like the United Nations Summit of the Future next year — including the Pact for the Future — and structures like the World Bank and the World Trade Organization to help spur investments, address debt crises, and foster public-private collaborations for young countries.
By 2100, Africa will be home to almost half of the world’s young people, and the influence of these young changemakers will be felt far and wide. Already, young people across Africa have advanced initiatives that prioritize educational equality, youth representation in government, and accessible technology.
About the authors
Chido Mpemba
Chido Mpemba is the African Union’s youth envoy.
Chernor Bah
Chernor Bah is Sierra Leone's minister of information and civic education.
Stephen Omollo
Stephen Omollo is the CEO of Plan International.
