Youth and innovation in Africa: harnessing the possibilities of Africa’s youth for the transformation of the continent: summary report of online (D-Groups) discussion

Abstract

An increasing number of African countries are characterized by dominant trends, including an expanding economy accompanied by significant improvements in social and political conditions; rapid technological development and innovation; and a growing population. Ensuring that young people engage in technology and innovation should be a priority of African Governments, as advances in technology, particularly ICT, have resulted in global interconnectedness and increased opportunities for self-actualization. To successfully realize the African transformation agenda, governments will have to capitalize on the potential of Africa’s youth. Growing up in an increasingly free and fair continent, the young people of Africa are dynamic, forward-looking and best positioned to find innovative solutions to local challenges through the use of science and technology. In the light of this, ECA hosted a moderated online discussion entitled “Youth and innovation in Africa: harnessing the possibilities of Africa’s youth for the transformation of the Continent”. The aim of the discussion was to lay the ground work for research on youth and innovation by answering the overarching question of how innovations in science and technology can be used to build on the momentum of economic growth in Africa, and to elicit ideas on how innovation in technology can harness the potential of African youth in order to advance the African development agenda and to stem steadily rising youth unemployment rates.