When global leaders gathered in Dubai for the 2026 World Governments Summit, one question cut through discussions on artificial intelligence, climate resilience and future economies: can Africa’s next decade work for its young people?
The question is not abstract. Africa is the youngest continent in the world, with a median age of just under 20. Nearly one billion Africans are under the age of 35, and over the next 25 years the continent will account for most of the growth in the global working-age population. This demographic shift represents a historic opportunity. Handled well, it could fuel economic growth, innovation and political renewal. Handled poorly, it risks deepening unemployment, instability and migration pressures.
At the summit, African leaders repeatedly described youth as the continent’s greatest asset. But there was also a sober recognition that potential alone is not enough. Turning demographic strength into economic and social progress will require major changes in how African governments invest, govern and partner with the private sector.
Education sat at the centre of these debates. Africa’s school-age population is expanding faster than any other region’s, yet many education systems remain underfunded, overcrowded and misaligned with labour market needs. Delegates stressed that access is no longer the only challenge; quality and relevance are now decisive. Too many young Africans leave school or university without the skills required for modern economies, particularly in science, technology and advanced manufacturing.
Several speakers argued that the next decade must focus less on rote learning and more on practical skills, digital literacy and critical thinking. Technical and vocational education, long neglected in many countries, was highlighted as a crucial bridge between schooling and employment. Without such reforms, Africa risks producing a generation that is educated on paper but unemployed in practice.
Jobs, ultimately, are the core issue. Each year, millions of young Africans enter the labour market, but formal economies are not creating enough opportunities to absorb them. Many end up in informal work, with low pay, little security and limited prospects for advancement. This reality, summit participants warned, undermines social cohesion and weakens trust in public institutions.
Economic transformation therefore featured prominently in discussions. Leaders pointed to industrialisation, agribusiness, renewable energy and digital services as sectors with the potential to create large numbers of jobs. Africa’s growing cities were described as engines of opportunity if infrastructure, housing and transport keep pace with population growth. Without such investment, rapid urbanisation could deepen inequality rather than reduce it.
Technology emerged as both a challenge and an opportunity. Africa’s young population is among the most digitally connected in the world, and young entrepreneurs are already driving innovation in fintech, e-commerce and mobile services. At the same time, the rise of artificial intelligence and automation threatens to disrupt traditional job pathways. Speakers argued that Africa must not simply consume global technology, but help shape its development and governance.
This requires investment not only in skills, but also in digital infrastructure and regulation. Access to affordable internet remains uneven across the continent, particularly in rural areas. Closing this digital divide, summit participants said, is essential if young people are to compete in global markets rather than be locked out of them.
Financing these ambitions remains a major obstacle. Many African governments are grappling with high debt levels and limited fiscal space. Debt servicing costs have risen sharply, leaving fewer resources for education, health and youth employment programmes. Some leaders called for reforms to global financial systems, arguing that current structures constrain Africa’s ability to invest in its future.
Governance was another recurring theme. Several speakers stressed that young people are not just economic actors, but citizens demanding accountability, transparency and inclusion. Across the continent, youth-led movements have played a growing role in politics, from civic activism to entrepreneurship. Ignoring these voices, delegates warned, risks alienating a generation that is increasingly connected and informed.
There was also a strong emphasis on keeping talent on the continent. Migration, both within Africa and beyond it, reflects a search for opportunity rather than a lack of attachment. Leaders argued that creating conditions where young people can build meaningful lives at home is essential, not only for national development but for global stability.
The private sector was repeatedly identified as a key partner. Governments alone cannot create the millions of jobs Africa needs. Encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and attracting sustainable investment were all seen as vital. Social enterprises and start-ups, many led by young people themselves, were highlighted as proof that solutions already exist, but often struggle to scale.
As the summit drew to a close, the mood was one of cautious urgency. There was broad agreement on the diagnosis: Africa’s youth bulge can be a powerful driver of growth or a source of profound risk. The difference will lie in choices made now.
The next decade will test whether political will can match demographic reality. If African governments, supported by global partners, invest seriously in education, jobs and governance, the continent’s young people could shape one of the great development stories of the 21st century. If not, the costs will be felt far beyond Africa’s borders.
The question posed in Dubai remains open, but the answer is fast approaching. Africa’s next decade will not wait.