By 2030 Africa’s youth are expected to make up 42 percent of the world’s youth and make up 75 percent of those under the age of 35 in Africa. Such a surge in their population presents an urgent need for governments to respond to their needs through supportive policies and programs. Harnessing the demographic dividend and expanding opportunities for your people will require the active participation and inclusion of young people in the politics of their nations. This article makes an analysis of issues hindering political inclusion and gives recommendations.
Political inclusion comprises young people’s participation in electoral processes, political office, public administration and decision-making, either individually or as members of youth-led organizations. It also speaks to the building of their leadership capacities for greater and more effective participation because Africa’s future lies in the hands of its young population. Over the past few years, there has been an increasing recognition of the importance of youth inclusion in politics in Africa. Governments and civil society organisations have been actively advocating for youth engagement, and there have been efforts to create more spaces for youth participation.
However, it is still a reality that young Africans who should give momentum to the continent’s transformation remain alienated and marginalized. Although past decades have seen advances in terms of policy commitments to youth development, both nationally, regionally and globally, such gains have not always been matched by actions on the ground. Far too many young people are still jobless, and struggle to access public resources and quality social services. They are barely involved in policy formulation and programme design as their participation in politics and decision-making is limited and often ad hoc..
Historically, young people have been excluded from formal political systems and government structures, even though they have long been a political force. Young people have vigorously engaged in struggles against political oppression in the form of colonialism, apartheid or dictatorships. Young people must therefore, be meaningfully involved in public policy making, implementation and analysis at both national and regional levels. Engaging the youth of Africa and meeting the expectations for a more inclusive future requires a better understanding of their needs, interests, challenges, potential as well as their diversity.
Notwithstanding their political activism – both positive and negative – overall, young people are marginalized in formal governance and political systems as voters, candidates, and members of local or national government. This marginalization is due partly to a lack of social capital such as trust and respect because of their age, and to political systems that are dominated by old people who wield power and resources.
While political systems are exclusionary by their set up, young people themselves have been censured for disinterest in and ignorance of issues of national concern. Another possible explanation for young people’s perceived lack of interest is alienation – that is, rather than a disinterest with politics, young people feel disenchanted with the current political systems. For example, in Uganda’s case, the President has often been quoted by the media saying that young people are addicted to sports betting and European football, as if to insinuate that they are less interested in issues of national importance. I think young people choosing to focus on football is a coping mechanism that helps many across the continent to adjust to stressful governance issues such as autocracy, corruption, poor infrastructure, to name but a few.
In conclusion, the inclusion of the youth in politics is essential for the future of Africa. Young people have the potential to be agents of positive change, and their inclusion can help to drive progress and development across the continent. Involving young people in politics and society is not only a question of inclusion but one with a ripple effect on economic growth, innovation, peace and security. It is therefore essential that governments, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders work together to create an enabling environment where young people can meaningfully engage in politics and other aspects of society. The yardstick for success of African countries will be adequately measured by future generations if policies are weighed against action to foster transformative and inclusive development.
By Patricia Namakula
Director of Research and Public Relations
