As a young Liberian, I often reflect on the past with a heavy heart and a questioning mind. What would it have been like to grow up during the darkest chapters of Liberia’s history—between 1989 and 2003—when civil unrest ravaged the nation, tearing apart families, communities, and futures? Those 14 years of war left irreparable damage, with many young people forced into violence, armed conflict, or tragic early graves.
Sadly, this experience is not unique to Liberia. Across the African continent, youth have inherited the consequences of political turmoil, economic instability, and institutional neglect.
In South Africa, the youth of the 1970s and 1980s rose in protest against the apartheid regime. In many other African countries, similar narratives of struggle, resistance, and survival define the journey of young people. While the circumstances vary, the outcome is strikingly similar: a generation burdened with trauma, stifled potential, and broken promises.
Today, I see a new kind of struggle—less visible, but equally devastating. It is the silent war of disillusionment. Many African youth no longer believe in the possibility of transformation within their own borders. This growing frustration is evident in the surge of irregular migration, with thousands risking their lives in perilous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea. They are not simply chasing greener pastures—they are escaping hopelessness.
Yet, amidst this despair, there is a rising tide of courage and responsibility.
I have seen young people—against all odds—mobilize, organize, and advocate for change. From grassroots community projects to digital activism, the youth of Africa are stepping up. They are volunteering, innovating, building businesses, mentoring peers, and demanding accountability. This is the Africa many of us dream of: bold, resilient, and driven by its own young citizens.
Africa is the youngest continent in the world, and with that comes enormous potential. The youth are not just tomorrow’s leaders—they are today’s builders, today’s change makers. But this potential remains underutilized. Despite their energy, creativity, and commitment, African youth are too often excluded from decision-making processes.
They are spoken about, but rarely spoken with. They are celebrated during youth-focused summits, but sidelined when policies are written. They are recruited for political rallies, yet denied economic opportunity and meaningful participation.
The phrase “youth are the future leaders” has become a convenient slogan. But let us ask honestly: when is the future? How long must young people wait in the corridor of promise while real influence remains out of reach?
It’s time to change the narrative.
What Africa Needs Now
If Africa is to realize its full potential, our leaders must move beyond rhetoric. This begins with:
– Investing in Youth Capacity
Equip young people with both soft and hard skills through access to quality education, mentorship, and skills development programs.
– Creating Economic Opportunities
Support youth entrepreneurship through access to finance, business incubation, and market access. Encourage innovation and reduce barriers to entry for young businesses.
– Strengthening Education Systems
Revamp outdated curricula and ensure access to modern, inclusive, and practical education that prepares youth for the real world.
– Promoting Meaningful Youth Participation
Include young people in policymaking at all levels—community, national, and continental. Youth must have a seat at the table, not just in name, but in action and influence.
– Protecting Youth from Exploitation
End the manipulation of youth for political gains. Instead, nurture them as partners in development—not tools for personal ambition.
A Call to Action
To my fellow young Africans: while we may not have created the systems that oppress us, we have the power to disrupt them. Let us not be defined by our limitations, but by our possibilities. Let us replace bitterness with boldness, despair with determination, and hopelessness with vision.
We must cultivate a growth mindset, seek knowledge relentlessly, and collaborate across borders and sectors to build the Africa we want. We cannot afford to be passive observers. We must lead where we are—at school, at work, online, in our communities. We are not the future. We are the present. And the future will be shaped by the choices we make today.
Conclusion
Africa’s promise to its youth must move from poetic slogans to practical solutions. The real wealth of this continent lies not in its minerals, forests, or oil—but in the dreams and energy of its young people. Let us nurture that wealth. Let us invest in it. And let us rise together to be the Africa we want to see.
About the author: Mohamed Kerkula is the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gonet Academy, Liberia’s premier vocational and technical training institution.
