If you ever doubted the power of African youth to shape the continent’s future, the 2024 GIZ African Union Annual Report clears that up real quick. Titled “African Youth Leadership: Creating the Africa They Want!”, the report doesn’t just check boxes—it tells real stories of progress, innovation, and hope.
Here’s what stood out, why it matters, and how young people—especially those of us here in Lesotho—can plug into the wave of opportunities that are redefining Africa.
2024 in Highlights: Youth Took the Wheel
From Kenya to Nigeria, Lesotho to Tunisia, young Africans were not just participating—they were leading. In 2024, more than 80,000 youth were involved in AU-GIZ initiatives across the continent. That’s massive.
Some highlights from the report:
- Youth Delegates Program: Young Africans directly engaged in policy processes during high-level AU meetings.
- The AU Youth Envoy Office supported over 300 youth-led initiatives with technical guidance and funding access.
- Digital Skills Boost: Over 40,000 young people were trained in digital literacy, coding, and cybersecurity through continental programs.
- Jobs, Jobs, Jobs: GIZ-supported initiatives contributed to creating or securing over 20,000 job opportunities for youth in agriculture, green tech, and digital spaces.
This is not just about events or conferences—this is about systemic investment in young people.
Why This Matters (Especially for Us in Lesotho)
Look, many young Basotho are out here grinding, dreaming, and building with little support. This report shows that regional policy bodies and international development partners are finally aligning with what we’ve always known—youth are not the future, we are now.
Imagine what’s possible if our local government followed suit—amplifying youth voices, funding innovation hubs, and supporting entrepreneurship beyond lip service.
Impact and Outlook: More Than Buzzwords
One key takeaway? When youth lead, progress follows. The report highlights how meaningful engagement of young people in policy-making has improved inclusivity, transparency, and impact across sectors.
In sectors like climate resilience, digital transformation, and peacebuilding, youth-led approaches are bringing fresh ideas and long-term commitment. By investing in youth leadership, the AU and GIZ are essentially building a more sustainable and responsive Africa.
This is especially powerful for small countries like Lesotho, where structural challenges can feel overwhelming. What the report teaches us is: the solution might just be in giving young people more space to lead.
Key Opportunities for Youth: What You Should Look Out For
Here are the top areas where youth can step in, according to the report:
- Digital Economy: Skills like software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity are in high demand. Programs are increasingly offering free or subsidized training.
- Green Jobs: From solar installation to eco-agriculture, there’s growth in the climate space.
- Policy Engagement: AU Youth Delegates Program and national youth councils are channels for young leaders to influence real policy.
- Entrepreneurship Support: Access to micro-funding, incubation programs, and regional startup platforms has improved.
Want to tap in? Start by following AU Youth Envoy updates and GIZ opportunities online. Many calls for applications are open to all African youth.
What Next?
As we close off the first half of this decade, the message is clear: Africa’s potential depends on its youth. And not just as recipients of programs—but as co-designers, implementers, and decision-makers.
Here in Lesotho, we’ve got the energy, the ideas, and the fire. What we need now is more access—more funding, better training, and a seat at every table that affects our lives.
Let’s not wait to be invited. Let’s walk in boldly and claim our space.
For a more detailed understanding, you can access the full report here: GIZ African Union Annual Report 2024