Africa is a continent brimming with potential, home to the world’s youngest population. With over 60% of its population under 25, the continent is a factory of innovation, creativity, and skills. But the amazing potential of this group can only be realized if the brain drain, where skilled young professionals leave the continent for greener pastures overseas, is stopped. Brain drain reduces the continent’s vital workforce, and in essence, economic growth. The African Union (AU) must play a critical role in reversing this trend by implementing strategies that enable African youth to stay, thrive, and contribute to the continent’s growth.
Education and Research Opportunities.
Lack of access to quality education and world-class research facilities is one of the main reasons African youth seek opportunities abroad. According to the African Union, an estimated 70,000 skilled professionals leave the continent yearly. By encouraging investments in quality universities, research institutions, and vocational training centers by their member states, the AU can create an empowering environment where African youth can confidently pursue their ambitions within the continent. Partnerships with global institutions to develop exchange programs can ensure that youth receive an excellent education and return to the continent afterward. Initiatives like the Pan-African University are great, but more funding and collaboration with private investors are needed to increase such efforts. According to a report by the World Bank, improving education systems in Africa could significantly reduce the desire to migrate for better opportunities.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems
Africa’s youth are not just job seekers; they are job creators. By creating ecosystems that favor entrepreneurship, the African Union can unlock the potential of young innovators and provide them with the tools and avenues to build businesses that solve societal problems. Programs like the African Innovation Foundation and initiatives such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 emphasize the importance of innovation in driving economic growth. In addition, forming partnerships with organizations like the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which provides funding and mentorship to African entrepreneurs, can be a model for encouraging youth-led startups across the continent.
Career Opportunities
The African Union (AU) can partner with the member states to offer well-paying jobs in growing sectors like renewable energy, technology, and the arts, which are expanding globally and locally. The International Renewable Energy Agency has stated that Africa’s renewable energy economy alone could yield 12 million jobs by 2050. Moreover, the technology and entertainment industries are already booming due to innovations like M-Pesa and the rise on the global stage of Afrobeats. Education and training must, therefore, be tailored to the current market. This means youth must be trained in technology, engineering, renewable energy, and digital marketing. These measures are essential not only to create adequate job opportunities but also to reduce the migration of the youth out of Africa, enabling it to become a center for amazing opportunities and innovations. Investors and other stakeholders must take the lead so that the African youth achieve economic success within their countries.
Living Conditions and Governance
Young people gravitate towards places where their rights are protected and their opinions are heard. AU must advocate for improved political accountability and enforcement of laws across the continent. Good governance through social justice can be advocated for using the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) that is in place. Basic infrastructure such as electricity, internet, transport, and health care are crucial for talent retention. AU should undertake continental infrastructure projects like the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). Improvements in Africa can make professionals outside Africa consider relocating to the continent.
Intra-African Collaboration
The African Continental Free Trade Area is a bold initiative that can change Africa’s economy by increasing trade and regional integration. However, its benefits must go beyond the movement of goods and services to include the free movement of people, especially young professionals. By prioritizing policies that facilitate labor mobility, the African Union (AU) can create a labor market where skilled workers can move across borders easily. This will reduce the need for young Africans to look for jobs outside the continent and exchange skills, ideas, and innovation within Africa. The African Development Bank (AfDB) has highlighted the role of labor mobility in driving economic growth and reducing brain drain. For instance, a young engineer from Ghana could work on infrastructure projects in Rwanda. A tech entrepreneur from Kenya could expand their startup to Nigeria, and tap into new markets and talent pools. This will strengthen the region’s economy and create a shared purpose among African countries. The AU’s Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons aims to eliminate visa restrictions and streamline work permits. More robust implementation and awareness are needed to make these policies work.
Pride in Africa
The AU must also invest in initiatives that instill African identity and pride among its youth. Cultural exchange programs, media campaigns, and platforms celebrating African achievements can keep young people at home and contributing to their communities. For example, the AU’s Youth Charter is one of such good initiatives that must be continued. Afrobarometer has shown that identity can influence migration decisions. Hence encouraging pride in Africa can retain the youth.
The African Union can transform the continent by keeping its youth and unleashing their potential. This cannot be done without investors and stakeholders who believe in Africa’s future. By investing in education, entrepreneurship, emerging industries, intra-African cooperation, and cultural pride the AU can create an environment where young Africans see a future worth staying for. Let us unite to keep the youth in the continent, and build a thriving Africa.