Johannesburg: Africa’s vast youth population could be the continent’s most valuable asset, potentially transforming it into a global leader in innovation, industry, and economic development. With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube stated that the continent stands on the cusp of a youth-driven growth wave that could fuel its economies and contribute to global prosperity.

According to South African Government News Agency, the realization of this immense potential depends on one fundamental factor – education. “If we are to transform our continent’s demographic advantage into a true growth engine, we must ensure that Africa’s young people are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and abilities they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy,” said Gwarube. She emphasized that Africa’s youth have the potential to form the largest working-age population in the world by 2063, but this will only benefit the continent if they are adequately educated a
nd skilled to meet the demands of tomorrow’s industries.

The Minister was addressing the Partnerships for Education Business Breakfast held at the Johannesburg Council for The Disabled in Lenasia. This event is designed to foster meaningful dialogue and establish partnerships to alleviate budgetary constraints in the education sector. It convened 100 business leaders from the private sector to discuss collaborative strategies to crowd in private sector resources to improve educational outcomes in South Africa.

The breakfast included presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for leaders committed to investing in education as a foundation for economic growth and social progress. Gwarube praised the potential of Africa’s youth to be the productivity drivers and innovators of tomorrow. She added that the youth represent Africa’s future, as a driver of global progress, and they are already demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability.

The Minister highlighted that young Africans are
technologically savvy, innovative, and highly motivated, bringing energy, optimism, and creative problem-solving to every sector they touch. “Even when stats show that ours is a continent with the lowest levels of connectivity, young people are leveraging digital technology, they are leading the thinking on renewable energy out of sheer necessity of energy poverty, and are leading social entrepreneurship to bridge the gap in what economists refer to as the bottom of the pyramid consumer market. Young Africans are pushing boundaries and setting trends,” the Minister concluded.