CHALLENGES FACED BY AFRICAN YOUTHS IN PARTICIPATING IN GOVERNANCE
African youths face numerous challenges when it comes to their participation in the public sector. The following are some of the primary obstacles:
• Limited access to the public sector: Limited access to opportunities in the public sector hinders African youths from influencing systemic change, fostering a competitive work environment, and enhancing government efficiency. • Limited mentorship and leadership support: African youths often lack guidance and support from experienced professionals, which can hinder their growth and potential. Without proper mentorship, young individuals may struggle to navigate the complexities of the public sector
and face difficulties in making a meaningful impact.
• Lack of employment: The lack of jobs makes it very difficult for youths to become employed within the public sector. • According to the International Labor Organisation (ILO), Africa has the highest unemployment rate in the world for the year 2022 at 7.1%. These obstacles not only hamper the development of African youths but also prevent the impacts in economic development of many countries
Addressing the needs of African youths is crucial to solving economic, political, and social challenges in the continent1. Governments and donors must focus on creating decent jobs for the youth, providing quality education and training, and increasing mentorship and leadership development programs. Additionally, African youths need to be part of policy discussions that seek to find solutions to the challenge of employment1. By investing in the youth, African countries can benefit from their unique perspectives and ideas, and the youth can become the backbone of every economy.
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African Union Digital and Innovation Fellowship
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