[MUST WATCH VIDEO] Africa’s future depends on its young people – Mo Ibrahim

Mo Ibrahim, The Chair of Mo Ibrahim Foundation, has said the future of Africa would depend on its ability to harness the energy and meet the expectations of its young people.

The London-based foundation discussed the topic: “Africa at a Tipping Point’’ during its forum in Marrakech, Morocco

Sixty percent of the continent’s population was already under 25 years of age, and the number would rise to 452 million by 2050.

“Too many young Africans feel devoid of economic prospects and robbed of any say on the future of their own continent,” a report from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation

“The commodity cycle may have fuelled GDP growth for many African countries but it has created almost no jobs,” the reports indicates.

“Over the last 10 years, while Africa’s real GDP has grown at an annual average of 4.5 per cent, youth unemployment levels remained high.’’

In spite of being the second-largest African economy, South Africa was not able to provide jobs for more than half of its youth population.

He noted that “young people spend more years in school but only a few have been effectively equipped with the skills the economy need.

“In spite of having some of the most educated population, with gross enrollment ratios in tertiary education, Egypt and Tunisia have some of the highest youth unemployment rates on the continent.

“Also, free and fair elections have indeed multiplied over the last decade, but voter turnout is declining and scepticism about elected representatives is growing, especially among the young people.

“Disenchantment with democracy and the lack of economic opportunity form a `toxic brew’, bound to strengthen the appeal of migration and violent extremism.

“Terrorism has become a well-organised multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise with growing control over drugs trade, human trafficking and other parts of the black market.’’

The energy and ambitions of Africa’s young people is a great resource and the best hope for strengthening the continent’s progress.

African youths’ expectations could turn into frustration and anger, “unless they find a job and get a chance to influence their own future.’’

WATCH THE ATTACHED VIDEO where MO IBRAHIM spoke about the need for Youth Leadership in Africa