The African continental trade zone (AFCTA) becomes the next hope of youth in the continent
Economic growth and demographic thrust should guarantee the development of Africa. The youth of the continent, who ask their rulers to be heard and taken into account, must be fundamental actors in this process. In this itinerary, AFCTA can become a key tool.
The UN points out that the young Africans between 15 and 24 years will exceed 800 million in 2050, which should guarantee positive economic growth. This, however, has not been so until now. The data of the International Labor Organization show that youth unemployment in Africa has remained at 11.2 % since 2021. Although in Africa there is a growing population of active and motivated young people, the problems of bad governance and economic and geopolitical insecurity do not allow an encouraging environment in which to take advantage of the potential of this critical demographic group.
Over the years, efforts have been made at the political level to face the problems of youth unemployment. The African Union (UA), for example, has established several frames and initiatives aimed at promoting the well -being of youth. Among these initiatives are the UA Youth Charter (2006), Malabo’s declaration on the training of young people and the UN campaign «Make Africa Digital». The trend of international organizations focuses on the fourth industrial revolution as an instrument to solve the problem of youth unemployment in Africa through digital technologies and the use of renewable energy sources for industrial and economic purposes. Africa, with the unique combination of natural resources and a young population, has an adequate environment to capitalize on sustainable technologies and renewable energies.
Growth forecast
With these elements as a reference, it is relevant to evaluate to what extent national and continental policies can contribute to specifying the growth potential of the young population of Africa. The International Renewable Energy Agency projected in 2020 that in a decade about four million jobs could be created in the African industry of renewable energy if the correct development policies are applied. The International Labor Organization (ILO) also declared that 60 million jobs could be generated in the energy sectors, waste management and natural resources if an effective transition to renewable energy sources occurs. It is interesting to note that several African countries have adopted renewable energies as a means to alleviate energy supply deficiencies. The solar center of Noor (Morocco), for example, generated about 1,000 jobs, while the solar industries not connected to the network in East Africa have allowed the creation of about 350,000 labor contracts, which also include benefits for young people with different levels of education.
Agricultural is another economic sector that can have a positive impact on youth employment, especially through the use of precision technologies in the fields of agrosilviculture and organic farming. In this line is the example of Ethiopia, where agricultural techniques have modernized and 85 % of young people work in the sector. South Africa and Kenya are also known for using digital platforms to connect small farmers with markets, thus promoting job creation and sustainable agricultural practices. The use of digital supports in agriculture and livestock has been very effective because young people are closely linked to new technologies, where they find work as analysts, managers and application developers. This also has the advantage of transferring skills and knowledge in modern agricultural techniques.
The protection of the environment and carbon capture are other economic areas in which the use and contribution of young people is growing. From the recovery of waste to recycling, African cities such as Lagos (Nigeria) have adopted energy waste conversion initiatives that have meant the creation of 25,000 jobs. Although that figure is lowercase within the great structure of economic development, it is expected that the sector believes 197,000 more jobs in the next five years. The Wecyclers company, based in Lagos, hires young people to carry out these works. Environment Reserve and Accelerate 2030, in Rwanda, participates in the design of recycling solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability.
The continent is experiencing a growing demand for ecologically healthy urban spaces, for whose development they are efficient energy designs and sustainable construction techniques. This is another sector that has opportunities to transform Africa infrastructure, which shows that there are solutions that address environmental concerns while promoting social growth and economic development, a reality that favors the vibrant and youthful African demography.
Training policies
One of the priorities of international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) or the African Union (UA) is the training of youth. In that context, both institutions have taken measures to promote the resilience and creativity of the young people of the continent. The top continental agency has the office of the president of the UA for youth with the aim of integrating the opinions and priorities of African youth in negotiations and at the highest levels of policy formulation. An example of the tasks undertaken by this office is the “Make Africa Digital” campaign, which, in collaboration with AFREXXIMBANK and GOOGLE, has endowed more than 4,000 young people to date. The initiative advocates the creation of a generation of digitally literate citizens that can promote economic growth and, at the same time, close the digital gap that affects the development potential of Africa as the fourth industrial revolution progresses.
The creation of this department is a fundamental step to promote the participation of young people in governance and, although attention must continue to focus on viable initiatives, there must be a continuous promotion and a political influence for the benefit of African youth. The promotion of inclusion and leadership among young people, with young women as a fundamental part, can benefit fields such as innovation and creativity in the continent.
In 2024, a survey of 5 604 young people between 18 and 24 years old from 16 African countries, showed that 60 % of continental youth is unsatisfied with the state of governance and intended to emigrate. The main reason? Corruption This has always been one of the main obstacles to growth and development in Africa, and now that young people also express their concerns, have even surpassed job creation as the main problem. In this survey, 88 % of young Cameroonians pointed out corruption as an important problem for them, while only 22 % of Ruandsess responders considered it a problem. At the same time, they also expressed a strong commitment to promote socioeconomic and political conditions throughout the continent, from which majority support is extracted among young people to programs and policies aimed at increasing the collective well -being of African youth.
The impact of the desire
The African continental trade zone (AFCTA), which aims to create a single market for goods and services produced in Africa, does not pay enough attention to the free circulation of people in the continent. While the accent is accent on a greater financing of African economies, there are no policies that allow efficient circulation of people through the continent, which, ultimately, serves to worsen the level of intra -African trade, which should not be limited to the circulation of goods and services, but would have to strive to revolutionize passport systems and inclusion policies. There is concern that the AFCTA applies between countries and people with high levels of inequality. That Morocco or South Africa can take advantage of better than other smaller countries, the possibilities of the single market should not be a reason not to apply this framework. Beyond inequality, Africa should focus on supporting local industries in order to depend less on foreign development structures.
The desire and its program to promote industrialization is a key objective, and for this it is necessary to invest in education and professional training, where access to technology can be affordable, so that work ceases to be a low value activity. The potential of the AFCTA can only come true with the effective application of the appropriate policies, because African youth does not lack initiative, but of support systems. This means that the impact of its initiatives will only multiply when there is adequate support for investment, the development of their capacities and new mobility policies that focus on people and not only on goods and services.
As for the political synergy that should benefit African youth, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, in collaboration with AFCTA, organized the campaign “to make the AFCTA work for the young Africans: opportunities, challenges and way to follow.” Closer over time, the UN Conferences Center in Adís Abeba (Ethiopia) hosted a conference in which the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for the Africa of the UN, Claver Gatete, stressed the importance of properly applying the Affecta Pact. He highlighted the serious challenges facing African youth and the need to involve it in decision -making and development initiatives. The officials present at the conference recognized the opportunity that the desire is and that African youth must be a central element in its application.
In order for the desire to succeed, the lack of trust between African youth and its rulers must be addressed, restoring faith in institutions and training and supporting experienced and innovative leaders. Effective governance should also be put in the fore, because the trajectory of African development must be reorient towards shared growth, collective development and leadership. African youth is essential to achieve these objectives and policies such as AFCTA will play a deep role in achieving these objectives.
