Africa has the youngest population in the world, with nearly 60 percent of its people under the age of 25. By 2030, one in every three young people globally will be African. Yet, despite this demographic advantage, political leadership across much of the continent remains dominated by older generations.
It was against this backdrop that governance expert and democracy advocate Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh challenged young Africans to take a more active role in shaping the continent’s future through responsible leadership, civic engagement and democratic participation.
Speaking at the West Africa Youth Regional Symposium on Democratic Reforms in Abuja, Nigeria, Dr. Fomunyoh addressed more than 90 youth leaders from across the continent. The symposium was organised by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in partnership with the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS).
Dr. Fomunyoh, Senior Associate for Africa and Special Advisor to the President of NDI, said Africa’s progress depends largely on the ability of young people to move beyond criticism and become agents of change in their communities and countries.
He urged participants to draw inspiration from Africa’s founding fathers, including Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Ahmed Sékou Touré and Patrice Lumumba, noting that many of the continent’s nationalist leaders assumed historic responsibilities while still relatively young.
“You are at the prime of your leadership potential. In the next two decades, one-third of the world’s youth population will be African. You should aspire not only to lead your organisations and countries but also to lead the world. The world is waiting for you,” Dr. Fomunyoh told the gathering.
He encouraged the young leaders to uphold integrity, accountability and inclusive leadership, stressing that Africa’s growing youth population represents a powerful force for democratic renewal and sustainable development.
Dr. Fomunyoh also underscored the importance of dialogue, peaceful political participation and regional cooperation in addressing the continent’s challenges. He urged young people to harness innovation, education and technology to promote good governance and strengthen democratic institutions.
The symposium brought together youth leaders from several African countries to exchange ideas, build networks and explore strategies for advancing civic participation and democratic reforms.
Participants described the engagement as both inspiring and timely, saying it reinforced the need for young Africans to take greater ownership of the continent’s development and democratic future.
