Youths are catalysts for positive change, industrialisation in Africa – Dow’s MD

Dow Africa has been a key partner in the Youth Day of Service (YDoS) social impact initiative led by LEAP Africa. In this interview, Mumbi Keega, managing director of Dow Eastern Africa spoke with Josephine Okojie on youth participation in sustainability and social impact drive in Africa.

Dow has been a headline sponsor of LEAP Africa’s Youth Day of Service for several years. Can you tell us about the company’s experience with this initiative and what motivated your organisation to continue its support in 2024?

Dow’s partnership with LEAP Africa on the Youth Day of Service has been a profoundly rewarding experience. The initiative’s alignment with our 2025 sustainability goals makes it an ideal platform to contextualize our commitment to sustainable development within African communities.

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By supporting YDoS, Dow has contributed significantly to fostering a culture of volunteerism and social responsibility among African youth. The program’s impressive scale, reaching over 6 million people across 28 countries and inspiring over 17,000 volunteers to undertake 1,191 SDG action projects since 2020, is a testament to its impact.

What truly motivates our continued support is the opportunity to empower young people to be agents of change. By working alongside them, we’ve witnessed firsthand their creativity, passion, and ability to develop innovative solutions to pressing challenges. This collaboration not only helps us achieve our sustainability goals but also invests in the future leaders of Africa.

Additionally, YDoS has enabled us to raise awareness about the SDGs within a crucial demographic, inspiring young people to become active participants in building a more sustainable future. We are proud to be part of this movement and look forward to continuing our partnership with LEAP Africa in 2024.

Why does Dow believe in the power of young people to drive positive change in Africa and beyond?

Dow firmly believes that young people are catalysts for positive change in Africa and beyond. The continent’s overwhelmingly youthful population presents an unparalleled opportunity for transformative growth and development.

These young minds are brimming with creativity, energy, and a deep-rooted desire to improve their communities. Their potential to shape economic activity, drive national development, and contribute to global stability is immense. We recognize that their active participation is essential to achieving a sustainable future, both for our business and for society as a whole.

By partnering with organizations like LEAP Africa and supporting initiatives like the Youth Day of Service, we can harness the power of youth to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges. Together, we create social impact by advancing sustainable solutions, building inclusive communities, and developing tomorrow’s innovators.

How does the Youth Day of Service initiative align with Dow’s broader commitment to SDGs?

Dow is entering the third phase of its sustainability journey with its ambitious 2025 Sustainability Goals. These goals set in 2015, called the blueprint goals, are focused on advancing a circular economy, valuing nature, driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and supporting STEM education. By partnering with like-minded organizations, we aim to maximize the economic, environmental, and social impact of our efforts to enhance.

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Over the next decade, Dow will continue to minimize its environmental footprint while expanding its positive contributions to customers and society through innovative products and solutions. Our ultimate goal is to create a blueprint for a sustainable planet and a thriving culture.

By supporting YDoS and therefore encouraging young people to adopt sustainable practices, address environmental challenges, and contribute to a circular economy, we are actively contributing to several SDGs including SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), among others. By investing in the next generation of leaders, we are helping to create a more sustainable future for all.

Moreover, YDoS complements our focus on building a culture of sustainability within Dow. In 2023, Dow invested $34.1 million through its corporate and its foundation and also partnered with 640 non-profits, educational institutions and other community organizations to accelerate social change and create a more sustainable and equitable future. In addition, 75 percent of Dow employees volunteered in the communities where they live and work.

Can you elaborate on how Dow sees the YDoS as promoting valuable skills and fostering a culture of volunteerism among young Africans?

We view YDoS as a powerful catalyst for developing essential skills and cultivating a strong culture of volunteerism among young Africans. The program’s impressive scale, with over 17,000 volunteers implementing thousands of SDG-aligned projects across 28 countries, demonstrates its effectiveness in mobilizing young people.

Participants gain invaluable experience in project management, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving as they conceptualize, plan, and execute their initiatives. Furthermore, YDoS fosters a sense of civic responsibility and empathy.

By addressing critical community needs such as climate action, waste management, education, and healthcare, young people develop a deep understanding of social challenges and the importance of collective action. The program’s focus on skill development is evident in the 4,316 individuals equipped with employability skills, highlighting its role in preparing young people for the workforce.

Additionally, the initiative’s impact on vulnerable populations, such as persons with disabilities and adolescent girls, underscores its commitment to creating inclusive and equitable communities. In essence, YDoS is not just about service; it’s about empowering young people to become active and engaged citizens who can drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

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What message would you like to give to young people across Africa about how they can get involved in 2024 YDoS and make a difference?

The Youth Day of Service presents an unparalleled opportunity for young Africans to be catalysts of positive change. By participating in this initiative, they can harness their creativity, passion, and energy to address the challenges facing their communities.

Their involvement is crucial in building a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous Africa. We encourage them to embrace the spirit of volunteerism, collaborate with their peers, and contribute to the attainment of SDGs. Together, we can all create a lasting impact and inspire future generations.