Mahlet Z R.’s Post

#EmpoweringTheNextGeneration Yesterday marks 17 years of celebrating #InternationalDemocracyDay. Inline with international democracy day Citizen Voice and Actions (CVA-Rwanda) organized a virtual youth conference which emphasized on "Youth Engagement in Shaping Democratic Practices and Values in Africa". It was highlighted that youth engagement in shaping democratic practices and values have been facing challenges particularly on Africa continent. Issues such as unemployment rates, limited access to quality education and inadequate political representation have been hindering their ability to participate meaningful in democratic processes. #Thepanelist emphasized that democratic processes is essential not just as a right but as a necessity for #Africa's future. Collective actions among governments, civil society organizations and international partners are crucial to ensure meaningful and inclusive youth engagement in shaping democratic practices and values in Africa. There is a need of safe &inclusive and friendly spaces for youth, public resolutions, access to skills development, media, peace building networks and alliances to amplify youth's voices. Ultimately in her closing remark Elisenda Balleste Buxo from Global Democracy Coalition reminded us(participants) that we heard many times that youth are the future, but we are not the future, we are the present. #HappyInternationalDemocracyDay #YouthEngagement #AfricaYouth #DemocracyInAction

To unlock Africa’s full potential, we must bring youth to the center of decision-making. In her recent article, Fatmata Lovetta Sesay, Ph.D, our Resident Rep. highlights how engaging young people in governance isn't just beneficial—it's essential for building resilient, future-focused communities. With Africa's population growing younger each year, inclusive policies shaped by youth perspectives can drive transformative change. Read more here https://bit.ly/4hKT9X8

What emerges from the African Youth Survey 2024 is that the youth are at a crossroads—optimistic and energized about their future; they want to improve their quality of life, their environment, build robust businesses, and build a stronger continent for the future. ...yet they are hindered & increasingly frustrated by barriers that stop them, calling for more responsive governance, greater economic opportunities, action on climate change, and stronger protections against misinformation. Our survey reveals that 64% of youth are not opposed to non-peaceful protests to effect political change & to break down barriers. It’s clear that if their governments can't sort out these issues, 31% of youth are prepared to leave Africa permanently. 'A Turning Point for Africa' is the title of the African Youth Survey 2024. You can read the full report by visiting our website here: https://lnkd.in/dWupedxS --- Conceptualized and funded by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation. Conducted by PSB Insights, a global leader in public opinion research, to-date there is no comparable barometer of the opinions of African youth in size or scope - The African Youth Survey is widely recognized as one of the most important research studies on young people living, learning, and working across Africa. #AfricanYouthSurvey24 #Governance #Africa #AfricanYouth

Africa must be a continent where the talent of the child and the youth is fully developed, rewarded and protected for the benefit of society. 🌍 All forms of systemic inequalities, exploitation, marginalization and discrimination of young people must be eliminated and youth issues mainstreamed in all development agendas 💡. Youth unemployment must be eliminated, and Africa’s youth guaranteed full access to education, training, skills and technology, health services, jobs and economic opportunities, recreational and cultural activities as well as financial means and all necessary resources to allow them to realize their full potential. 🚀 This is the 2024 Youth Empowerment Tour 🇿🇦. A public speaking campaign that aims to eradicate youth unemployment and foster a new culture of job creation, ownership, wealth creation and the elimination of poverty by empowering the youth and class of 2024 with practical tools on self-development and entrepreneurship training 📊 - to stimulate economic development. Our project works to fulfill the African Union Agenda 2063 🇦🇪🇦🇴🇿🇦🇿🇼🇿🇲 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 🌍. Working towards the #AfricaWeWant and Global Advancement.

Our 'South Africa 30 special report' - 30 years of democracy, reveals the 7 key findings from our survey of what the youth really think about... 1. The current state of South Africa 2. Addressing corruption 3. Attitudes towards Democracy 4. Democratic engagement 5. Treatment of individuals 6. Life in South Africa 7. Personal ambitions Why have we asked them, and what will it achieve? "It has never been more important that policymakers around the world understand and listen to the voices of Africa’s youth. Whether on natural resource economics, the tangible impacts of climate change, efforts to combat disease, or to preserve democracy - these are all areas in which global engagement will be absolutely critical. Through the African Youth Survey, Africa’s youth are voicing their ambitions and challenges. How the rest of the world responds will shape the future of our planet.” Ivor Ichikowitz Chairman of the Ichikowitz Family Foundation. Don't miss this special report! It's coming soon and is an eye-opener. Release date to be announced...stay tuned. #southafrica #youthempowerment #capetown #johannesburg #youngpeople #youth #democracy #theafricawewant #africarising #agenda2063 #africanyouthsurvey #insights #thoughtleadership

𝐈𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟔𝟑, Africa's youth population is expected to exceed 1 billion, up from 453 million in 2018, according to African Union's State of African Youth Report. The fascinating thing is 👇🏾 😃 We are actually well on our way, as Africa is already home to the most youthful population globally, with more than 60% being under the age of 25. This sounds all promising - however, the truth is, the growing youth population in Africa presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the continent's economic development. Young professionals have the potential to become powerful agents of change by building personal wealth and re-investing to their local communities. 🤔But where and how do we gain access to the resources as Africans to make the transformational developments in our continent right from today? Join us today 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟑𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲, 𝐚𝐭 𝟖 𝐩𝐦 𝐄𝐀𝐓 | 𝟔 𝐩𝐦 𝐖𝐀𝐓 | 𝟓 𝐩𝐦 𝐆𝐌𝐓 as I host two remarkable visionaries, Jermaine Craig and Clarence Muhoro, who are pioneering the future of dynamic investments and philanthropy in Africa. 🔍In this session, we'll cover the importance of financial literacy in empowering young Africans and explore innovative investment strategies for young professionals. 📝We'll also highlight the role of the diaspora in driving local impact and discuss creating financial and social capital through impact investing. 🔗 Save your seat now via this event: https://lnkd.in/d_Z7XKVW 𝐈𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝!

In today’s world, we are witnessing an unprecedented convergence of technological innovation and global interconnectedness. This era presents both extraordinary opportunities and profound challenges, making it a pivotal moment in human history. For Africa, this moment carries even greater significance as our continent is home to the largest and most dynamic youth population in the world. These young minds represent not only the future of Africa but also the future of the world. They are the ones who will carry forward the legacy of our time, and it is our responsibility to equip them with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to succeed. By empowering our youth, we are laying the foundation for a future of development, innovation, and progress. We must ask ourselves, in the time we have on this earth, within our circle of influence—whether small or large—with all the tools, information, and powerful networks at our disposal: What kind of world will we leave behind for future generations? Will our actions foster greater understanding, equity, and peace? Or will they deepen divisions, perpetuate inequality, and harm our planet? The answer lies in how we choose to wield the power we now possess. #MondayMotivation #AfricaRising

I join the good people of Senegal, the promising region of West Africa, the amiable continent of Africa and the entire world to congratulate Bassirou Diomaye Faye as he emerge the 5th Senegal President. His victory represent hope for his people and Africa at large. His Presidential speech says even more West Africa, a region rich in culture and diversity, faces numerous governance challenges. However, amidst these challenges lies a beacon of hope: the youth. With a growing population of young people, West Africa possesses immense potential for positive change and development. Youth engagement in governance is crucial for fostering inclusive decision-making processes and sustainable development. Empowering young people to actively participate in governance not only strengthens democratic institutions but also ensures the representation of diverse voices and perspectives. The importance of youth engagement/involvement in governance and decision making cannot be overemphasized especially for our country Nigeria. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of youth involvement in governance across West Africa. Governments, civil society organizations, and international partners have initiated various programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing youth participation in political processes, policy formulation, and community development. One notable example is the establishment of youth councils and forums such as the West African Youth Alliance (WAYA) at local, national, and regional levels. These platforms provide young people with opportunities to voice their concerns, contribute ideas, and collaborate with policymakers to address issues affecting their communities. Furthermore, efforts to promote civic education and political literacy among youth have gained momentum. By equipping young people with the necessary knowledge and skills to understand their rights, responsibilities, and the workings of governance systems, these initiatives empower them to actively engage in shaping the future of their countries. However, despite progress, significant challenges persist. Limited access to education, economic opportunities, and political exclusion continue to hinder youth participation in governance. Moreover, the lack of meaningful youth representation in decision-making processes remains a pressing issue that needs to be addressed. To overcome these challenges and harness the full potential of the youth, concerted efforts are needed from governments, civil society, and the private sector. Investments in education, skills development, and employment opportunities are essential to equip young people with the tools they need to contribute meaningfully to society. Please read full message on https://lnkd.in/drzmzTBX

Africa is the youngest continent, with over 60% of its population under the age of 24. Recognizing this, the African Union launched the "Harnessing Demographic Dividends by Investing in Youth" initiative a few years ago. Around the same time, the global community declared "The Decade of African Youth." However, six years on, the anticipated dividends have yet to materialize. Instead, we witness an alarming trend—our youth are increasingly drawn into militarization, excluded from decision-making roles in politics, social, and economic spheres. It seems that the only time youth are deliberately engaged is during times of war, and unfortunately, wars are not in short supply. The situation in the East and Horn of Africa serves as a stark example, where poor governance and mounting youth frustration have fueled conflict. As we observe International Youth Day, our discussions must go beyond mere inclusion. It is paradoxical to talk about including a group that forms the majority. Instead, we should focus on empowering youth leadership and fostering platforms for intergenerational dialogue. How can we, as a continent and as a global community, harness the wisdom of our elders alongside the strength, innovation, ambition, and dreams of our youth? Let’s make this Youth Day a call to action—a commitment to creating a future where the youth are not just participants but leaders, driving Africa’s progress. Read more about Young People in Pre-Formal Peace Making https://lnkd.in/dKPHrHjh #Ceasfire4SudanNow #Sudan #SouthSudan #YPS #WPS #Mediation #Inclusion #NoToMilitirization #IGAD #AU #UN #PeaceAndSecurity #YouthPeaceandSecurity

Yesterday (30/07) we concluded the Academic session, and today (31/07) we embarked on the Practitioners session at the African Philanthropy Conference in Victoria Falls. Key picks for these 2 days to me have been: 1. Demographic changes that Africa is going through is bringing a critical group that are asking difficult questions around transformation, and amplifying the notion of international aid as a vehicle of domination as opposed to redemption. 2. The youth are a clean human capital, sitting in Africa that have not been fully exploited. 3. Philanthropy needs systemic approach, within an effective governance framework. It's more than a one off event/activity. 4. Decolonize the mind first before decolonizing international aid.