Determined to amplify the clarion call for affirmative action on increased participation of youths in politics and governance across Africa, Baywood Foundation will in collaboration with African Union (AU) hold an interactive conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The conference is designed to be stakeholder-resonant and appropriately representative of the pan-African situation on this critical issue and create inclusive opportunities for youth to develop their intrinsic capabilities for future leadership roles.
The two-day event scheduled for August 16 to 17, 2019, with the theme, ‘Back to the future-young people reimagining today’s politics’ will stimulate effective discourse that offers leadership development and a path to greater involvement in political governance for youths throughout Africa.
Emperor Chris Ibe, founder, Baywood Foundation, observes that the African continent is riddled with presidents who have spent over 35 years in office and are aiming for 40 years or more.
According to Ibe, “The statistics in this regard make for very sober reflection indeed. The consequences of this characteristic of African leaders have led to the gross socio-economic under-development of Africa, corruption, genocides and the exclusion of many generations of youths from governance.”
Ibe, in a speech while announcing the conference in Lagos, Tuesday, says beyond Nigeria, age limits are a common barrier to young people seeking political office in Africa.
According to the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), globally, only 2 percent of lawmakers are under the age of 30, a figure even less in Africa, where only 1.2 percent of lawmakers/policy makers are 30 years or below. Indeed, high age limits explain the conundrum of aged Presidents on a continent that is home to the world’s ten youngest countries.
This he says is totally unacceptable and a major constraint to youth participation in governance.
While outlining the plans of the foundation to further change the narrative, Ibe states that an estimated 200,000 youths from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, gender and academic disciplines under the auspices of the Baywood Foundation will from year 2020 participate in a special internship programme for a period of 12 months.
He further says that during this period, the candidates, each of whom will undergo a strict vetting process prior to selection, would be placed in an internship role in a relevant institution such as a political party, legislative body, government agency.
“The focused objective is to position the candidate within an environment which provides opportunities to establish networks, upgrade knowledge levels and chart a career path in Government”, he said.
The interactive conference will feature speakers and presentations from key stakeholders from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mali, Botswana, Senegal, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Africa, Tunisia, Kenya and Tanzania among others.
