Tendai Keith Guvamombe
In a compelling and unvarnished address that resonates far beyond the halls of power, Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), laid bare the existential threat posed by youth disillusionment during the 5th APRM Youth Symposium in Midrand.
His speech served as a stark challenge to the African continent: address the root causes of youth unemployment and exclusion, or face continued instability that directly derails SDGs 2030 and AU Agenda 2063.
The Demographic Time Bomb and Coups
Charumbira framed the issue of military coups and political violence as a “topical matter” that must be debated with youth, given that young people constitute 60% of Africa’s population. This immense demographic dividend—a resource that “none is there to replace” in ageing continents like Europe—is tragically being squandered.
He drew a direct line between the lack of opportunities and the continent’s instability. Highlighting the stoning of the Zambian President and the role of youth in the overthrow of the President in Madagascar, Charumbira noted the pain of graduates who are “basking in the sun after graduating” and becoming “impatient.”
The resulting violence and political volatility directly obstruct the ambitious goals of Agenda 2063, which seeks a peaceful and prosperous Africa.
“In Africa people are voted to lead as youths but they then stay on power. Most people whom you are now calling dictators they liberated African States as youths. Again you youths who are in here, you will also do the same if given the chance. You are voted as a youth. So we need really look at where the challenge is. “
War, Violence, and the Need for Practical Empowerment
The PAP President pushed the dialogue beyond mere acknowledgment of the crisis, demanding “real challenges” be addressed with “tangible measures” and “practical measures” for empowerment.
He identified vast opportunities in sectors like education, mining, agriculture, and the digital space.
Charumbira challenged the gathered young leaders to look beyond simply demanding change and actively participate in processes like tenders to build wealth.
He warned that the cycle of violence is generational, observing that many of today’s “dictators” liberated states as youths, cautioning the current generation that they “will also do the same if given the chance.”
To break this cycle of governance failure and violence—which fundamentally undermines every Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), from poverty eradication to peace and justice—Charumbira advocated for a corporate model of leadership development.
He suggested that youths need intense mentorship, similar to how companies train employees to attain “desirable leadership.” This mentorship is essential to channel youthful energy away from destructive political acts and toward implementing the transformative economic pillars of the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Charumbira’s message is a powerful indictment of the status quo and a mandatory study for anyone analyzing Africa’s governance failures and its path to achieving continental development agendas.
The fate of the continent hinges on converting the youth dividend from a source of instability into the primary engine of prosperity.
The APRM Youth Symposium is a strategic platform for intergenerational dialogue and evidence-based policy engagement, providing an opportunity to explore innovative ways to strengthen youth participation in governance. APRM Youth Symposium kicks -off this Monday.
