Africa’s youth are at the forefront of change, demanding accountability, transparency, and better governance. With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, the continent’s future hinges on empowering this demographic to lead transformative movements and redefine leadership. In a recent interview, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, a renowned policy expert and former World Bank Vice President, shared profound insights on the role of youth in fixing Africa’s politics and governance to drive sustainable change.
Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili highlighted the erosion of trust in governance across African societies. She described the continent’s political systems as monopolistic democracies, where the illusion of choice masks a homogeneous political culture. This lack of differentiation among political parties has led to decades of poor governance, stifling economic growth and development.
She emphasized that Africa’s intellectual and professional class has often shied away from politics, leaving the space to individuals who prioritize private interests over public good. This has resulted in a leadership vacuum, where rulers, rather than leaders, dominate the political landscape.
Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili praised Africa’s millennials and Gen Z for their elevated consciousness and refusal to accept the status quo. Unlike previous generations, today’s youth are demanding accountability and insisting on their right to shape governance. She noted that youth-led movements across the continent have demonstrated the power of collective anger and the potential for change.
However, she cautioned that anger alone is insufficient. To sustain momentum and achieve meaningful outcomes, youth movements must transition from emotional reactions to strategic planning. This involves defining clear goals, establishing transparent leadership structures, and creating evidence-based policies. Here is what African youth need to solve governance and leadership problems on the continent.
Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili Urges Investment in Political Education
Dr. Ezekwesili’s initiative, the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG), offers a transformative model for training ethical, competent, and capable leaders. African youth should take advantage of such programs to develop the skills needed to navigate the complexities of governance. The SPPG focuses on three key pillars: character, competence, and capacity, ensuring that graduates are equipped to lead with integrity and solve public problems effectively.
Build Transparent Leadership Structures
Youth movements must adopt collegial leadership models that prioritize transparency and inclusivity. Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili suggested creating councils or think tanks that represent diverse demographics and focus on technical aspects of governance. These structures should refine policy options and present them transparently to the broader movement, ensuring collective decision-making.
Leverage Technology for Transparency
The digital age offers unparalleled opportunities for African youth to drive transparency in governance. Social media, blockchain, and other technologies can be used to monitor political processes, hold leaders accountable, and disseminate information. Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili emphasized that transparency is an antidote to corruption, as it prevents the perversion of decision-making processes.
Define Success and Core Values
Movements must articulate a clear vision of success and establish core values that guide their actions. Dr. Ezekwesili stressed the importance of moving beyond anger to define the end game, rules of engagement, and metrics for success. This strategic approach ensures that movements remain focused and resilient in the face of challenges.
Foster Intergenerational Dialogue
The disconnect between Africa’s youth and older generations has hindered collaboration. Dr. Ezekwesili called for intergenerational dialogue to bridge this gap and leverage the experience of older leaders while respecting the innovative ideas of younger generations. This dialogue can create a shared vision for the continent’s future.
Engage in Evidence-Based Advocacy
Movements that are informed by data and evidence last longer and achieve better outcomes. Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili recommended establishing teams dedicated to gathering and analyzing data, which can then be used to inform policy proposals and advocacy efforts. Evidence-based advocacy strengthens the credibility of movements and enhances their impact.
Dr. Ezekwesili’s research revealed a direct correlation between the quality of politics and economic performance in African countries. She argued that fixing politics is essential for achieving good governance and sustainable development. By addressing the root causes of political dysfunction, African youth can unlock the continent’s potential and create a future that works for everyone.
African youth have the power to redefine leadership and governance on the continent. By investing in political education, building transparent structures, leveraging technology, and engaging in evidence-based advocacy, they can drive transformative change. Dr. Ezekwesili’s SPPG initiative offers a practical pathway for young leaders to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to fix politics and lead Africa into a brighter future.
The time for waiting is over. As Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili aptly stated, “If you’re waiting for someone else to fix Africa’s politics, you’re asleep.” The responsibility lies with Africa’s youth to step up, organize, and lead the charge for better governance. By embracing the solutions outlined in this article, they can turn their collective anger into strategic action and build a continent that thrives on integrity, competence, and accountability.
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