Africa: Youth & Women’s Vision for the Future
African youth and women are crucial for Africa’s future, yet face underrepresentation in leadership and funding. This pivotal article spotlights the urgent need for structural change, emphasizing inclusion for the continent’s largest demographics. Chido Mpemba highlights how fully empowering these groups is essential to achieving Agenda 2063‘s vision. Despite historical exclusion, modern leaders like Amina J. Mohammed and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf inspire progress. The piece also explores how African youth are increasingly active in climate activism and tech innovation, demanding greater access to capital and advocating for reforms like youth quotas.Calls are growing to redistribute power, addressing past inequities. The critical role of primary_keyword, youth, and the secondary_keyword, women, is clear. News Directory 3 recognizes the importance of this movement. They are demanding a seat at the table. Discover what’s next as they champion a vision that will transform the continent.
African Youth and Women Demand Leadership Roles
Updated June 3, 2025
Across Africa, a new generation is rising, demanding justice and leadership roles. As the continent commemorated Africa Day, the focus turned to the critical need for inclusion of youth and women in shaping Africa’s future. Chido Mpemba, Special Advisor on Youth and Women to African Union Chairperson, argues that the “Africa We Want,” as outlined in Agenda 2063, hinges on fully empowering these groups.
Despite comprising the majority of the population,African women and youth remain underrepresented in key decision-making positions. Fewer than 1% of global development funds reach youth-led initiatives. This exclusion, Mpemba suggests, stems from a history of concentrated power.
However, history also showcases powerful African women who defied expectations. Figures like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Albertina Sisulu, and Wangari maathai paved the way for future generations. Women such as Amina J. Mohammed at the U.N. and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma at the African Union Commission have reshaped narratives and set new standards.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,Liberia’s former president,continues to champion women’s leadership through the African Women Leaders Network. Other women have since led countries including Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Namibia.
Bineta Diop,former AU Special Envoy on Women,Peace and Security,championed the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls in Africa,prioritizing women’s safety. The current AU Commission Chairperson, mahmoud Youssouf, has voiced his commitment to gender equity, drawing from his personal experience as a father.
Concurrently, Africa’s youth are making their voices heard.From climate activism to tech innovation,they are pushing for change. They seek access, capital, and power, demanding structural reforms like youth quotas in public office and direct funding for grassroots organizations.
Mpemba emphasizes that true justice requires redistributing opportunity and power, addressing the past exclusion of women and youth. She calls for a commitment to reclaiming history and building a continent where girls lead revolutions and youth set national agendas.
We are not waiting to be included. We are here to transform!
What’s next
Looking ahead, Mpemba urges a move beyond mere celebration of Africa day, advocating for concrete actions that empower youth and women, ensuring their voices shape the continent’s trajectory.