Youth, innovation, and the economy: A blueprint for Africa’s future growth

Africa is sitting on an untapped goldmine: its youth. With 70 percent of sub-Saharan Africa’s population under 30, the continent boasts one of the youngest populations in the world. Yet, instead of thriving, many of these young people face staggering unemployment rates—reaching as high as 40 percent in some countries. These figures highlight a painful truth: Africa is failing its youth.

While talent abounds, opportunities remain scarce. Countless young Africans have transformative ideas but lack access to education, funding, infrastructure, and mentorship. Yet, when given even the smallest chance, they rise above the odds, turning these opportunities into catalysts for change.

Recognising this ignited a passion that has shaped my career trajectory, leading to numerous collaborations with Pan-African and global organisations such as the African Union, Ford Foundation, and Microsoft YouthSpark. Leading initiatives like Accelerate labs, Aiki Nigeria, The Future Awards Africa—where we raised $780,000 to empower African youths—further reinforced my commitment to advancing their potential.

I’ve watched with pride as African start-ups like Flutterwave and Andela have not only created jobs but also inspired a new generation of problem-solvers. Imagine if we could replicate these successes across all 54 countries on the continent. These stories prove that our youth are capable of driving innovation at scale.

I’ve focused on nurturing potential by fostering a high-performing culture through streamlined operations and leadership development. Similarly, my time at The Future Project allowed me to champion initiatives that empowered young talents across Africa, providing them with the resources and ecosystems needed to thrive creatively and economically.

Africa’s focus should be centred on effective leadership and getting it right. To fully maximise the benefits of strong leadership, we must also prioritise strategic partnerships that are future-proof. These partnerships should ensure that the next generation of leaders is well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate dynamic ecosystems shaped by language, ethnicity, and religion.

At RED, I introduced practical tools and processes that not only drove 70 per cent year-on-year growth but also created a results-driven, inclusive culture. It’s this kind of intentionality that our policies and partnerships need to replicate.

Through effective communication, Africa’s development can be expedited with its teeming, energetic youth hungry to prove themselves. In my role as a strategy consultant with the African Union, I worked with a team across 13 African countries to simplify the concept of the Demographic Dividend. Our campaign aimed to engage young people by breaking down complex ideas into relatable messages, fostering ownership and empowerment. Additionally, Africa’s ability to support its own growth is evident through initiatives like ACT Foundation-funded projects. For the past two years, I have been part of the ACT Foundation grant review team, selecting impactful projects that address critical challenges in Nigeria and across Africa.

This experience reinforced my belief that clear, inclusive communication is key to unlocking Africa’s potential, helping youths understand their role in shaping the continent’s growth.

To achieve these goals, the primary focus must be on education, infrastructure, and funding. When these are embedded in the decision-making processes of every African country, young people won’t merely inch toward creating impact—they will leap forward, transforming Africa as we know it.

We need to equip our youth with the skills to thrive in a digital economy. STEM education, entrepreneurship programmes, and mentorships are critical. Since the introduction of a free education scheme to provide good-quality schooling in Rwanda in 2016, the literacy rate and availability of a skilled workforce have increased, growing Rwanda’s GDP per capita to $2,566 in 2020, up from $1,000 in 2000.

During the same period, Kenya experienced a tech revolution with the integration of ICT through The Digital Literacy Programme, fostering a growing tech sector that contributed significantly to its GDP.

South Africa’s ascent to become the largest economy in Africa this year wasn’t attained by mere wishes. Infrastructure, especially in transportation and energy, played a pivotal role in that $373 billion success story. The infrastructure developed drove job creation, attracted foreign investment, and improved trading.

There is no denying the critical role that funding plays in supporting these projects. Without it, these initiatives would never see the light of day, and their impact would be nonexistent. Having raised over $780,000 for youth programmes, I have witnessed first-hand how young entrepreneurs thrive when provided with the resources to succeed.

Africa’s future is in the hands of its youth. As a continent, we must rise to the occasion—investing in their potential, supporting their innovations, and creating the conditions for them to lead the world.

Written by Bukonla Adebakin, Chief Operating Officer, Intense Group. She is also the Lead Consultant at Impacty Africa and the Author of Profit of Purpose: managing financial accounting and reporting for Social Entrepreneurs. Connect with her on social media @Bukonlaadebakin on Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook and Instagram.

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