The Citizens Summit in Defense of Democracy and Freedom in Lusaka, Zambia, shed light on a crucial message: the active involvement of young people in governance processes is imperative for Africa’s success and prosperity. As echoed by summit participants, including political leaders, civil society representatives, and young activists, the strongest and most consistent takeaway from the event was the recognition that the youth hold the key to Africa’s future. Written by Kibo Ngowi

“Young people continue to demand a seat at the table when it comes to discussions on democracy and the future of the continent. It is not enough to merely invite them to these summits. They should be on the panels and a key part of thinking through what democracy means across the globe and how it can produce dividends for citizens,” Tiseke Kasambala, Director of Africa programs at Freedom House, said on the sidelines of the summit.

“It is young people who face the immediate and long-term challenge of climate change, food insecurity, democratic reversals and waning economies. It’s their future that is impacted by the political and economic decisions that today’s leaders make.”

On March 29th and 30th, the Government of the Republic of Zambia co-hosted the Second Summit for Democracy with the United States of America, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, and South Korean governments. Ahead of the Summit on the 27th and 28th of March 2023, Accountability Lab, along with the Global Democracy Coalition and the Youth Democracy Cohort held the pre-S4D2 Citizens Summit in Defense of Democracy & Freedom as part of the global Partners for Democracy Day in Lusaka.

The summit highlighted the critical need for youth engagement in governance processes. Africa, with its youthful demographic advantage, presents a unique opportunity for harnessing the energy, creativity, and innovation of its young population to drive positive change and ensure a sustainable future for the continent.

One of the key takeaways of the summit was that young people bring diverse perspectives, fresh ideas, and innovative approaches to governance processes. Their unique experiences, challenges, and aspirations make them valuable stakeholders in shaping policies and decisions that affect their lives and communities. Moreover, involving youth in governance processes fosters inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that the voices of all segments of society are heard and considered.

The event also highlighted that young people possess immense potential to contribute to the development and progress of Africa. With their sophisticated understading of digital literacy, social media proficiency, and technological know-how, youth can leverage modern tools and platforms to drive civic engagement, advocate for their rights, and hold governments accountable. 

Furthermore, young people are often at the forefront of social movements and grassroots activism, advocating for democratic values, human rights, and social justice. Their activism and mobilization efforts have the power to challenge the status quo and bring about positive societal change.

“You know, one thing I always say, as youth, yes, we should always be prepared to raise our voices but we should always recognize when things are done right. So, I commend the organizers of the Citizen’s Summit and I’m really grateful to see that the topic of youth inclusion was at the center of every panel discussion,” Diana Chando, an African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace representing East Africa, remarked at the event.

The Citizens Summit also identified several key recommendations to promote youth involvement in governance processes. These include:

Creating an enabling environment for youth participation 

Governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders must create inclusive spaces and mechanisms that facilitate youth participation in governance processes. This includes ensuring that young people have access to information, opportunities for meaningful engagement, and platforms to voice their opinions and concerns.

In Ghana, the government established the National Youth Authority (NYA) as a statutory agency to promote youth development and participation in governance. The NYA has initiated various programs, such as the “Youth in Afforestation” and “Youth in Sanitation” initiatives, which engage young people in environmental conservation and waste management efforts. These programs provide meaningful opportunities for youth to participate in governance processes while addressing pressing national issues.

Building the capacity of young people 

Investing in the education, skills development, and leadership training of young people is crucial to prepare them for active participation in governance processes. This includes providing opportunities for civic education, political literacy, and policy advocacy training that equip young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage effectively in governance.

In Kenya, the Shujaaz Inc. platform has been successful in providing young people with civic education and leadership training. Through a multimedia approach that includes comic books, TV shows, and social media, Shujaaz Inc. has reached millions of Kenyan youth, equipping them with knowledge on civic rights, responsibilities, and governance processes. The platform has empowered young people to engage in social and political issues and has created a generation of informed and active citizens.

Fostering partnerships and collaboration

Collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and young people themselves, is vital to promote youth involvement in governance. Partnerships can facilitate resource sharing, joint advocacy efforts, and co-creation of solutions to address societal challenges.

In South Africa, the YouthLab is a collaborative platform that brings together young activists, civil society organizations, and policymakers to work on issues affecting youth. YouthLab has facilitated partnerships between youth-led organizations and established civil society groups, resulting in joint advocacy efforts on topics such as education, unemployment, and gender equality. This collaborative approach has amplified the voices of young people and increased their impact in governance processes.

Ensuring meaningful representation

Young people must have a seat at the decision-making table. Governments and other stakeholders must ensure that young people are represented in key governance structures, such as parliaments, local councils, and advisory bodies. Meaningful representation of youth in governance processes will ensure that their voices are heard, and their perspectives are considered in policymaking.

In Tunisia, after the Arab Spring, the government established a quota system that ensures the representation of youth in the country’s local councils. The quota mandates that at least 30% of council seats be allocated to youth candidates aged 18-35. This initiative has increased youth representation in local decision-making bodies, enabling young people to actively participate in shaping policies and programs that directly affect their communities.

Recognizing and celebrating youth contributions 

Recognizing and celebrating the positive contributions of young people to governance processes can inspire and motivate more youth to engage in civic activities. This includes acknowledging and rewarding young leaders, innovators, and activists who are making a difference in their communities.

In Nigeria, the Future Awards Africa is an annual event that celebrates the achievements and contributions of young people in various fields, including governance and public service. The awards highlight the positive impact of young leaders and innovators, inspiring other young people to actively engage in governance processes. The Future Awards Africa has become a platform that recognizes and amplifies the outstanding efforts of youth in shaping the future of Nigeria.

Overall, the Citizens Summit in Defense of Democracy and Freedom has emphasized the critical role of youth in governance processes in Africa. Discussions called for increased youth engagement, recognizing the immense potential that young people bring to the table. By creating an enabling environment, building their capacity, fostering partnerships, ensuring meaningful representation, and recognizing their contributions, Africa can empower its youth to become active, informed, and responsible.

*Kibo Ngowi is the Marketing & Communications Officer for Accountability Lab

Sheena Adams