Financing the future: Empowering the youth of Africa

The Commonwealth Youth Council (CYC) is on a mission to empower Africa's vibrant youth population by providing financial support and opportunities for growth while addressing the challenges faced by the continent's young people. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Joshua Opey, the Chairperson-Elect of the CYC, shared insights into the council's initiatives and plans to support the youth of Africa. With Africa being home to the largest youth population cluster in the world, accounting for over 60% of the Commonwealth's young people, empowering this demographic is vital for unlocking the continent's potential. Opey emphasized the importance of financial empowerment for youth, highlighting the Commonwealth's investments in youth-led initiatives across the region. From Tanzania to Malawi, young leaders are tackling issues like forced marriages and economic empowerment with support from the CYC and the Commonwealth Secretariat. One key focus for the CYC is addressing the issue of youth unemployment and employability. Opey highlighted the need for a holistic approach that encompasses education, skills development, and job opportunities. The council plans to launch a skill sourcing platform to connect young people with employment opportunities and advocate for the integration of valuable skills like artificial intelligence into educational systems. By bridging the gap between skills training and job placement, the CYC aims to empower young Africans to contribute meaningfully to their economies. The exchange of knowledge and experiences among youth across Commonwealth countries is another priority for the CYC. Through initiatives like the Queen's Commonwealth Scholarship and the Commonwealth Masters Scholarship, young people have the opportunity to study abroad and gain valuable insights that they can bring back to their home countries. Opey emphasized the importance of ensuring that scholarship recipients make a positive impact in their communities upon their return, driving tangible change and development. Looking ahead, Opey expressed his commitment to enhancing the CYC's collaboration with the Association of Commonwealth Universities to broaden opportunities for youth exchange programs. By fostering connections and leveraging technology, the CYC aims to create a platform where young people can provide services remotely to countries facing human capital deficits. This innovative approach seeks to harness the potential of Africa's youth population and promote cross-border collaboration within the Commonwealth. In conclusion, the Commonwealth Youth Council is at the forefront of empowering Africa's youth through financial inclusion, education, and international exchange programs. With a focus on holistic development and collaboration, the council is paving the way for a brighter future for the continent's young people.