NAIROBI, Aug. 24 — More than 100 young people from across Africa gathered in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Thursday 15 August 2024 for a day-long forum focused on exchanging ideas and approaches for transforming the continent. The Africa Youth Forum 2024, focused on the dynamic changes reshaping Africa’s political landscape, brought together youth leaders, senior African government officials, United Nations representatives, and international development partners. “This event brings together esteemed youth leaders and young visionaries from across Africa to engage in transformative dialogue and action, with an aim to amplify the voices of the continent’s emerging leaders and foster a global dialogue on democratic innovation and youth empowerment,” said Kjell Magne Bondevik, former prime minister of Norway and founder of The Oslo Centre, a charity which organized the event.
Muslim World League Secretary General Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa called for African governments to adopt inclusive approaches by integrating skilled youth into leadership roles. “We need to create an essential balance that embraces youth-led solutions for transformation. We must integrate youth as a change agent to meaningful participation and enjoin their voices not only as an alternative approach to constructive dialogue but also champion their inclusivity in political transformation and sustainable progress,” said Al-Issa. Youth delegates emphasized the need for transparency and commitment in implementing government policies to ensure inclusion and representation. “Despite our parliament and executive being the most youthful since independence, youth issues have long been ignored until street protests took place,” Dianah Nyamvula Ngao, a Kenyan youth, said at the forum. Ngao noted that many brilliant and skilled youth have been excluded from key decision-making platforms. “There are enough laws to ensure inclusion and equality in decision-making, but all these have been poorly implemented. African governments need to give way for the youth to take over leadership positions. The future should be in the hands of youth. Skilled and strongly valued youth are ready to chart the way forward.” The forum took place at a pivotal moment when Kenyan youth are at the forefront of advocating for reforms in political leadership and governance, amidst broader changes reshaping Africa’s political landscape.
