There Is Hope in African Youth. We Must Make Room for It.

There is hope in African youth.

I know social media does not always leave you feeling that way. Some of what we see, including the lifestyles we celebrate, can make you worry about where we are going.

But I keep meeting young people who renew my hope. Some younger than me, some my age, some older. People who care about becoming better and about what happens to others.

At an event where I spoke recently, three young people stood out to me. They were in their second year of school, and there was something beautiful about their drive. They were thinking about how to develop themselves, but they also cared about other people.

I saw potential future leaders in them.

I also met two young people building a space to support high-school girls as they navigate growing into women. They had recognised a need and were working on a way to respond.

These encounters made the event memorable for me. There are young people already looking beyond themselves, even while they are still figuring out their own lives.

Give that drive somewhere to grow

This year’s African Youth Day theme is “Reflecting, Reimagining, and Repositioning the African Youth Charter.”

For me, that reflection must include the people behind the conversations about youth development. The student with ideas who needs guidance. The young professional who is working but unsure of their direction. The person trying to help their community without knowing who will support them.

What would our commitment to them look like in practice?

Those of us further along must create spaces that welcome them. Spaces where they can ask questions, learn, contribute and take responsibility with proper support.

Sometimes that means mentoring someone. Sometimes it means making an introduction, sharing an opportunity or giving useful feedback on an idea. It also means listening before deciding what they need.

And when young people are already building something useful, we should be willing to support their initiative—not assume they must wait until they are older to contribute.

Reimagining our approach should include giving young people a meaningful part in shaping that support.

You can have drive and still need direction

If you are still finding yourself, I want you to understand this: being passionate does not mean you will always know what to do next.

You might already have a job. You might be building a business or leading an initiative. There can still be parts of your life you need help understanding.

Try to name the support you need. Instead of only saying, “I need an opportunity,” explain where you are and what you are trying to do.

“I’m in my second year, interested in this field, and I need help understanding how to get practical experience.”

That gives someone a clearer place to begin helping you. Look for relevant communities, ask questions and investigate opportunities. You do not need a complete plan before you can begin learning.

We are building a community where we plan to support young people as they find direction and pursue opportunities. If that is where you are, join us here and introduce yourself: where you are, what you are working towards, and the support you need next.

There is hope in African youth. I keep meeting it.There Is Hope in African Youth. We Must Make Room for It.

We must make room for it.