Panafrican Youth Union urges Africa's youth to voice their concerns

Africa's youth are at the forefront of demanding their voices be heard and their concerns addressed by governments across the continent. With an average age estimated at 19.5 years, the youth population in Sub-Saharan Africa is urging for greater empowerment and inclusion in decision-making processes. Francine Mujumba, president of the Pan-African Youth Union, recently emphasized the importance of investing in the younger generation to drive Africa's development forward. She highlighted the need for opportunities in entrepreneurship, access to finance, and quality education to enable young people to innovate and create sustainable businesses in various sectors such as technology and agriculture. Mujumba praised the recent establishment of the African Youth Development Fund by heads of states within the African Union, a significant milestone towards prioritizing youth initiatives and ensuring their active participation in leadership roles. She underscored the historical significance of the Pan-African Youth Union, which played a pivotal role in the formation of the African Union, advocating for political and economic freedom for the continent's youth. Addressing the lack of youth representation in governance, Mujumba called for legislative changes to lower age restrictions for political office and ministerial positions. She highlighted the disparities where the average age of a member of parliament in Africa is over 45 years, emphasizing the urgency to involve younger generations in decision-making processes. Mujumba urged African leaders to prioritize youth development programs and create pathways for youth involvement in politics to ensure a diverse and inclusive government. The discussion also touched on the disconnect between political rhetoric and tangible actions towards youth empowerment. Mujumba criticized the lack of meaningful youth representation at high-level summits within the African Union, calling for genuine engagement with young people and concrete measures to support their growth and development. She emphasized the role of organizations like the African Development Bank in funding youth initiatives and job creation, stressing the immediate need for job opportunities to combat rising unemployment rates among African youth. In a powerful statement, Mujumba highlighted the youth's determination to be heard, both in political offices and on the streets. She shared instances where young leaders boldly confronted government officials, demanding accountability and opportunities for meaningful participation in governance. Mujumba encouraged young people to actively challenge political parties that fail to prioritize youth representation and to seek leadership roles that promote their interests and aspirations. As the president of the Pan-African Youth Union, Francine Mujumba continues to champion the rights and empowerment of Africa's youth, advocating for a more inclusive and youth-centric approach to governance and development across the continent. Her unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of young people underscores the pivotal role that youth empowerment plays in shaping Africa's future.