By Alex Makarigakis and Quentin Wodon
Africa Youth Day, observed on November 1st, serves as a platform to acknowledge the critical role of youth as drivers of social change, economic growth, and sustainable development. Defined by the African Union as individuals aged between 15 and 35, Africa’s youth constitute over a third of the continent’s population, representing its future.
They hold significance not only for Africa but for the entire world. According to United Nations projections, by 2050, a quarter of the world’s population could reside in Africa, with over a third of these individuals falling within the international definition of youth (15-24 years). The challenges stemming from Africa’s youthful demographic are immense, but the opportunities are equally significant, including within Kenya.
Addressing the challenges, a substantial number of young people reach adulthood without adequate investments in their human capital. The World Bank’s Human Capital Index, which considers factors such as child survival, years of schooling, learning, and more, reveals that a child born in Kenya today is expected to achieve only 55% of their potential human capital. This reflects the need for investments in youth.
The question arises: is there popular support for such investments, and if so, what should be the priorities? The UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (UNESCO IICBA) has analyzed Afrobarometer survey data to shed light on these questions. The data, representative at the national level, show that in Kenya, more than half of the respondents express support for higher government taxation to invest in youth. Youth are even more inclined to endorse this idea. In terms of investment priorities, job creation is paramount, followed by education. Social services such as health and drugs rank lower in priority, with very few respondents advocating against government spending in these areas.
The survey also gauges respondents’ perceptions of government performance in various sectors. In Kenya, as in many other countries, the share of respondents stating that the government is performing fairly well or very well is generally low. It is especially low in areas related to jobs and the economy. Although the data indicate a decrease in perceived government performance in some areas and an increase in others between survey waves, they underscore the need for improvements in various sectors and basic services to provide youth with the opportunities they deserve.
Despite the vast challenges posed by Africa’s youth bulge, there is an equal potential for immense opportunities, owing to the extraordinary initiative and creativity displayed by many African youths. To celebrate Africa’s youth, UNESCO IICBA has interviewed six young leaders, each contributing to initiatives that serve others in remarkable ways. These interviews highlight the positive impact that young Africans are already making across the continent. It is imperative that we support and invest in their future.
Alex Makarigakis serves as the Acting Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Africa, while Quentin Wodon is the Director of the UNESCO International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (UNESCO IICBA) based in Addis Ababa.
