International Youth Day

Across Africa, the conversation around youth empowerment often focuses on providing resources—education, jobs, skills training, or access to technology. These are all necessary. However, increasingly, there is a growing recognition that empowerment goes deeper than opportunity. It is about building the capacity of young people to think independently, act ethically, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

A broader view of empowerment shows that when young people read critically, ask tough questions, weigh ethical choices, and create solutions rooted in both knowledge and wisdom, they equip themselves not just for employment but for leadership.

In many education systems across Africa, however, rote learning still dominates. Young people are often rewarded for repeating facts rather than interrogating them. Critical thinking and problem-solving are present in some spaces—particularly in extracurricular programmes or alternative learning initiatives—but are not always central to mainstream education. This can limit young people’s ability to engage with complex social, political, or ethical issues.

At the same time, cultural expectations around hierarchy and respect for elders, while valuable, can sometimes make it difficult for young people to ask hard questions or challenge existing norms. In these settings, empowerment might mean finding ways to encourage curiosity and open dialogue while still upholding traditions and values that bind communities together.

In civic life, youth participation is increasing. Young people have been at the forefront of social movements, climate action, and digital advocacy. These moments show that when youth are given the space to lead, especially when their leadership is grounded in reflection, knowledge, and collective thinking, they can influence national conversations and policy outcomes. Still, many young people remain on the margins of decision-making processes. Therefore, empowerment efforts may need to include greater access to civic education and more inclusive platforms for dialogue.

Innovation and entrepreneurship are also central to this conversation. Across sectors, young Africans are creating context-specific solutions that address local challenges—from digital health tools to renewable energy models and agricultural technologies. Many of these efforts reflect not just technical knowledge, but also a deep understanding of community needs. Empowerment in this space includes more than capital or digital access—it also involves mentorship, the freedom to experiment, and a culture that values ethical entrepreneurship.

There is also an emotional and psychological side to empowerment. For youth living in challenging environments—whether due to economic hardship, displacement, or social exclusion—building self-awareness, resilience, and emotional intelligence is essential. Programmes focused on mental well-being, life skills, and interpersonal development are becoming more visible, though they still receive limited attention compared to more measurable interventions.

Observing all these dynamics suggests that the concept of empowerment might be more layered than it first appears. It is not simply about giving young people tools. It is also about enabling them to ask questions, reflect critically, and develop a sense of agency. In other words, empowerment involves not only technical capacity but also ethical clarity and thoughtful engagement.

As African countries continue to invest in youth, especially under the pressures of rapid demographic growth, it may be useful to consider whether current approaches foster this deeper kind of empowerment. The goal is not just to prepare young people for the future, but to equip them to shape it thoughtfully, responsibly, and with confidence rooted in both knowledge and wisdom.