Dr. Fomunyoh pushes for youth-driven democratic change

Democracy advocate Christopher Fomunyoh has urged young Africans to take a more active role in shaping the continent’s future, saying the world’s youngest population must translate its demographic strength into responsible leadership and democratic participation.

Speaking at the West Africa Youth Regional Symposium on Democratic Reforms in Abuja, Fomunyoh said Africa’s progress would depend largely on whether its young people move beyond criticism and become agents of change. The meeting was attended by more than 90 youth leaders from across the continent.

“Africa has the youngest population in the world, and in the next two decades one-third of the world’s youth population will be African,” said Fomunyoh, Senior Associate for Africa and Special Advisor to the President of the National Democratic Institute (NDI).

“You should aspire not only to lead your organisations and countries but also to lead the world. The world is waiting for you,” he said.

The symposium was organised by the U.S.-based National Democratic Institute in partnership with the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) and brought together participants from several African countries to discuss democratic reforms and civic participation.

Fomunyoh urged young leaders to uphold integrity, accountability and inclusive governance, describing Africa’s growing youth population as a powerful force for democratic renewal and sustainable development.

He called on participants to draw lessons from African independence leaders including Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere, Guinea’s Ahmed Sékou Touré and Congo’s Patrice Lumumba, noting that many assumed leadership responsibilities at a relatively young age.

Fomunyoh also stressed the importance of dialogue, peaceful political engagement and regional cooperation in addressing the continent’s challenges. He encouraged young people to harness innovation, education and technology to strengthen democratic institutions and promote good governance.

Africa is home to nearly 60% of the world’s youngest population, with one in every three young people globally projected to be African by 2030, according to United Nations estimates. Despite that demographic advantage, political leadership across much of the continent remains dominated by older generations.

Participants at the symposium said the discussions reinforced the need for young Africans to take greater ownership of the continent’s democratic and development agenda.