Africa is the youngest continent by demographic, but its leadership remains old.

Africa is the youngest continent by demographic, but its leadership remains old.

The African Union is best-placed to ensure national governments commit to youth representation.

The lack of adequate political participation for African youth threatens the fabric of civil society.

African youths make up about 60% of the continent’s population, and by 2030, they are expected to make up 42% of the world’s youth population. Despite Africa’s booming youth demographic, the face of African leadership remains old and does not reflect its populace: 

the continent’s median age is just over 18 years old, but two-fifths of its leaders are over 70. The African Union (AU) can play a strategic role in closing this representation gap.