THE 35th KiBO CLASS DISCUSSES AFRICA’S YOUTH & LEADERSHIP: A TICKING BOMB OR AN OPPORTUNITY?

Africa is the next big thing in terms of opportunity. It has the most naturally rained arable land in the world. Its physical size is larger than North America, China, India, Europe, Argentina, and New Zealand combined. Innovations and technology are growing every time. There is a rise in the number of aggressive and dynamic entrepreneurs in Africa. Above all, Africa’s population is one billion people with a silently vibrant youth whose voice could thrust this continent to the next level.

Anthony Samuel setting the stage for the presentations

Did You Know? About 65% of the total population of Africa is below the age of 35 years, and over 35% are between the ages of 15 and 35 years - making Africa the most youthful continent. By 2020, it is projected that out of 4 people, 3 will be on average 20 years old.

Team Somalia doing their research 

While moderating a discussion on a topic; “Africa’s Youth and Leadership: A Ticking Bomb or an Opportunity?” Anthony Samuel (of Habib Group) engaged the 35^th Class through this amazing session. It was about the youth at KiBO stretching their minds and looking at Africa as one unit, how the youth of Africa can make Africa the next super power, and what policies the African Union should put in place to harness the voices of Africa’s youth for prosperity of the continent. For the class, it was about quick thinking, research, innovation, public speaking, teamwork and confidence building.

Tracy Kansiime of the "Nigerian Envoy" presenting her case  

The class was divided into six teams (with 4 people per group) representing six African nations (Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Somalia, and Nigeria). There was a panel of five judges (Anthony Samuel, Christine Adhiambo, Jonathan Ebuk, Rosemary Amuge, and Baingana Sabiti) that gave general comments and feedback at the end of the presentations.  The discussants gave a brief history, statistics, and current state of affairs of all these countries. They presented a case for the youth in Africa. Their presentations showed that Africa’s youthful population is a massive opportunity. Young people are dynamic and are eager to take advantage of what life can offer them. It was clear that Africa’s youth need access to education, land, financing and credit to take advantage of the opportunities that lead to productive incomes.  Among the many solutions provided by the discussants also included; adopting a pro-Africa school curriculum which emphasizes practical and vocational skills, creating a think-tank comprising of youth which addresses youth policy issues, forming an African centre of education that supports and promotes Pan Africanism, and compulsory civil service to help the youth serve their countries to build a sense of nationalism and patriotism.

 

Ambrose asking a question

The discussants clearly indicated that there is underutilization of Africa’s resources. The youth have a big role to play in making Africa the place to live in. Africa is taking over.