Youth Representation in African Governance: Moving Beyond Tokenism

On 18 July, 2024, I attended the 2024 ECOSOCC Citizens Forum on Democracy & Institutional Resilience at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, Ghana. The discussions were lively and insightful, but one pressing issue stood out,  the participation of youth in decision-making processes within the African Union (AU) and other regional economic community structures. This concern was raised against the backdrop of the recent GenZ uprising in Kenya, which has brought the issue of youth representation and voice within democratic governance spaces in Africa to the forefront.

Africa, the youngest continent by population, faces a paradox, while its population is predominantly young, its leadership remains largely old. The AU is uniquely positioned to address this representation gap, ensuring that national governments commit to meaningful youth representation. The current state of youth engagement, often approached in a tokenistic manner, is simply not enough. For Africa’s democracy to thrive, it must harness the energy and potential of its youth.

Africa’s Youth: A Demographic Powerhouse

African youths make up about 60% of the continent’s population, and by 2030, they are expected to account for 42% of the world’s youth population. Despite this significant demographic, African leadership does not reflect its youthful populace. The continent’s median age is just over 18 years, yet two-fifths of its leaders are over 70. This stark contrast highlights a significant gap in representation that needs urgent attention.

The slogan “The beautiful ones are not yet born” captures the sentiment of unrealised potential, but I argue that the true beauty of Africa’s future lies in the youth of today. The AU, which comprises 55 member states, has a mandate to promote democratic principles, popular participation, and good governance. At the heart of democracy lies inclusive representation, yet Africa’s largest demographic remains under-represented in decision-making roles. To ensure responsive and thriving leadership, inclusion is essential. This includes considering key groups such as youth, women, people with disabilities, and minorities.

The African Union’s Strategic Role

The AU’s African Youth Charter recognises that Africa’s youth are its greatest resource, with enormous potential. The AU’s Agenda 2063 envisions that “The creativity, energy, and innovation of Africa’s youth shall be the driving force behind the continent’s political transformation.” To fulfil this vision, the AU must lead the charge in ensuring that African governments commit to a percentage of youth representation in national and sub-national cabinets, alongside other efforts to enhance youth political participation.

The Risks of Youth Exclusion

Inter-generational collaboration is vital for national development, with each demographic bringing unique value to the decision-making table. While countries like Namibia and Rwanda have shown some commitment to youth participation in political decision-making, it should not be left to individual countries to decide if they will be youth-inclusive or not. The exclusion of youths from decision-making roles can have disastrous societal consequences, including upheavals, crime, disruptive national protests, widespread youth unemployment, and terrorism. Youths who feel excluded from the political process are more vulnerable to extremist ideologies, and this marginalisation can lead to civil conflicts that threaten societal stability.

Youth advocacy groups and civil society have consistently called for enhanced youth political participation across African countries. Movements like YIAGA Africa’s ‘Not Too Young to Run’ in Nigeria, the Global Shapers Community Hubs, and various youth leadership conferences have made commendable efforts to promote youth leadership. However, these efforts have not resulted in the large-scale representational change that Africa urgently needs. It is time for a strategic shift to a top-down approach, where pressure on African governments to include youths comes from the regional level.

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The African Union’s Mandate: Championing Youth Representation in Governance

The African Union (AU) is uniquely positioned to lead the agenda for youth representation across the continent. To address the current under-representation of young people in governance, the AU should spearhead an agreement ensuring that at least 50% of national and sub-national cabinet positions are occupied by youths, including young women. This ambitious proposal, backed by strong justifications, can take the form of a binding treaty or policy directive, setting a clear and enforceable policy direction for African governments.

Harnessing the demographic dividend is crucial, as Africa has the youngest population globally, with a significant proportion under 30. Ensuring that half of the cabinet positions are held by youths leverages this demographic advantage, fostering innovation, fresh perspectives, and dynamic leadership in governance. Promoting inclusive governance through a 50% youth representation quota ensures that governance structures are more reflective of the population’s demographics. This inclusivity can enhance the legitimacy of governments and increase public trust and engagement.

Driving economic growth is another key justification, as young leaders are often more attuned to contemporary issues such as technology, climate change, and digital economies. Their participation in decision-making can drive policies that are more aligned with current global trends, spurring economic growth and development. In addition, strengthening democracy is a vital outcome of youth involvement in governance, as it can rejuvenate democratic processes, combating apathy and disengagement among young voters. It encourages a more active citizenry and a vibrant democratic culture.

Ensuring sustainability by investing in youth leadership is essential for African countries to maintain a sustainable leadership pipeline. Young leaders today will gain the experience needed to lead effectively in the future, promoting long-term stability and continuity in governance. To implement this ambitious agenda, the AU should ensure that the 50% youth representation agreement is legally binding, providing a tangible target for youth representation and serving as a benchmark against which progress can be measured. This can be enforced through periodic assessments and sanctions for non-compliance.

Capacity strengthening is crucial, and the AU should implement training and mentorship programmes to prepare young leaders for their roles. These programmes should focus on developing the necessary skills and knowledge for effective governance, ensuring that appointed youths are competent and qualified. A transparent selection process is also vital, and a well-structured, merit-based selection process for youth representatives should be developed. This transparency ensures that only capable and deserving individuals occupy these positions, countering criticisms that quota systems lead to mediocrity.

Supportive policies are necessary for encouraging and supporting youth involvement in governance. African governments must implement responsive policies that remove barriers to participation and create an enabling environment for young leaders to thrive. Ongoing review and refinement of these policies will ensure they continue to meet the evolving needs of the population. This adaptive approach ensures that the initiative remains relevant and effective over time., the AU can set a precedent for youth representation in governance, driving the continent towards a more inclusive, dynamic, and prosperous future by championing this transformative agenda.

Conclusion

Leadership is best learned through experience, and this principle is especially pertinent for Africa today. The continent’s youth are brimming with potential and energy that could be transformative if given the opportunity to lead. Providing them with platforms to showcase their abilities and assume leadership roles is not merely an act of fairness but a strategic imperative. Africa can enhance the quality of decision-making through improved diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating these opportunities. This shift will not only address the immediate need for more representative governance but also facilitate the gradual transformation of Africa’s predominantly ageing leadership to more accurately reflect the continent’s youthful demographic.

Central to this transformation is the importance of intergenerational mentorship. Older leaders must actively engage in mentoring young people, sharing their experience, wisdom, and insights while also learning from the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas of the younger generation. This exchange will bridge the gap between established knowledge and emerging trends, fostering a more dynamic and effective leadership culture. Such mentorship can prepare the youth for higher positions in government and ensure that they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of leadership roles.

The AU has a pivotal role to play in this transformation. It must champion policies and frameworks that mandate significant youth representation in leadership roles at both national and sub-national levels. This includes not only setting targets but also ensuring that these policies are implemented effectively and are subject to rigorous oversight and accountability.

The challenge lies in nurturing a new generation of leaders who are deeply attuned to the needs and aspirations of Africa’s youth. This approach will pave the way for a more inclusive and dynamic governance landscape, addressing the current representation gap while strengthening the democratic fabric of African societies.