African will have 73 million poor young people by 2030
By Karen Nyeraurombo
Dr Charlton Tsodzo says activists should up their game in holding African governments accountable when it comes to issues of development, adding that the continent will have an estimated 73 million young people come 2030.
Although the African continent is endowed with rich natural resources that are required for one to live a decent life, its young people are still being held down by poverty and lack of opportunities.
Some of the poverty among young people is a result of unfulfilled promises by those in positions of authority among others.
Speaking during the commemoration of International Youth Day, which was held virtually, Dr Tsodzo said if activists do not demand accountability more young people will be plunged into poverty come 2030.
“Youth poverty is really becoming a thing and it is estimated that by the time we get to 2030 we will have 73 million poor young Africans and as activists, we need to be holding governments accountable.
“Think of the last 5 to 10 years. We never really used to have conversations around urban poverty in our slums. Poverty in our urban areas, unbelievable unprecedented levels of poverty that is within our countries in Africa.
“The most affected demographic without surprise is definitely young people. What exactly is our agenda, where do we locate ourselves as young people?
“We are also in this particular space where there have been lots of promises. When you look at Africa, when you think of Africa there have been lots of promises of helping Africa, developing Africa and the question then is, at what expense, at what cost?
Africa requires food security
According to Dr Tsodzo, Africa seriously requires food security and for that to happen there is a need to start thinking about looking after the environment.
“We need food security in Africa, but this also has to be within the scope of sustainability. We have produced sustainably in the past through our traditional agricultural methods.
“There is need to be thinking about looking after the environment that gives us life in the future and to be thinking of production systems that will be able to look after generations to follow.
“We need to keep an eye against government industrial complexities that are aiming at maximising profits and yet the production is destructive.
“These are some of the things that I think are critical as young people are thinking of shaping their agenda in this particular period,’’ he said.
African will have 73 million poor young people by 2030
