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Emulate Pope Francis’ view of Africa’s youth
Pope Francis saw African youth as an asset, solution providers and dreamers of a better future, and so should we.
He recognised Africa’s youth as the biggest asset to their countries, continent and world, always praising their dynamism, strength and innovation, and calling for investment and protection of young people and their greater engagement in decision-making.
In 2015, when Pope Francis came to Kenya, he made a passionate plea to the government on the youth, saying they are Kenya’s greatest asset and we must protect them, invest in them and give them a helping hand if we are to realise a better future.
Indeed, the voice of young people must be heard and embedded in all decision-making processes to build strong and better communities and countries.
With 70 per cent of Africa’s population under the age of 30, the continent has the largest youth population, which presents immense potential for growth.
With the largest youth population in history, the continent has a great opportunity because, with each young person, we have new ideas and new energy.
Decision-makers should create space for young people to share their views and ideas on the solutions to the biggest challenges affecting their lives and futures.
Pope Francis saw the youth as solution providers, emphasising that Africa’s young population is able and capable of bringing meaningful changes to the continent and beyond.
In 2019 when he visited Mozambique, he said the youth were already solving problems. The encounter began with a series of questions, including how young people could turn their dreams into reality, how they can help to solve problems afflicting their country, and how they could write a new page in the history of Mozambique.
The pontiff surprised his young listeners by telling them that they had already provided answers to their own questions when they proudly expressed themselves through their artistic, musical and cultural performances.
“In all of this”, said the Pope, “we see a variety of ways to bring the world together and to look to the horizon: with eyes full of hope, full of the future, full of dreams.”
The pope urged Africa’s youth to reimagine a better future and world for all. In February 2023, when he visited the Democratic Republic of Congo, he told young people never to get discouraged in their fight against corruption, and to remember that a different future was in their hands.
As he remarked, young people, who dream of a different future, from their hands, tomorrow can be born. Indeed, young Africans must rise to the challenge, take charge and build a better future.
Mr Obonyo is a public policy analyst. [email protected].