Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with approximately 60% under the age of 25. This represents about 20% of the global population in this age group, emphasizing Africa’s demographic significance as a youthful continent. However, this potential remains largely untapped due to systemic challenges, including rising unemployment and underemployment, exacerbated by escalating living costs. Despite statutory provisions such as Ghana’s 2010 National Youth Policy, which mandates active youth participation in policymaking, youth voices are often excluded from critical decisions, including those involving natural resource management​
Within the natural resources sector, high technical skill requirements and the preference for extensive professional experience create barriers for young people, limiting their contributions and discouraging their involvement. Addressing these systemic barriers is essential to empowering African youth to lead in the sustainable and effective management of natural resources. Such efforts align with international frameworks like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Article 6) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (Article 5), which call for youth engagement in environmental stewardship​
Building on our proven expertise in nurturing the next generation of extractives experts, CEDA actively develops and implements youth-centered programs designed to position African youth as leaders in the natural resources sector. Through public advocacy and strategic partnerships with governments and stakeholders, CEDA champions youth voices, ensuring their increased participation and leadership. These initiatives are instrumental in harnessing the demographic dividend, unlocking the transformative potential of Africa’s young population​.
