There has never been a better time to advance. The world is evolving faster than it used to. Young Africans are faced with the reality of a technological evolution that does not wait for anyone to catch up. Our people are arming themselves with skills that will enable them to create because, in today’s world, the creators make the rules.
We are the greatest asset in Africa. Why? Because we dictate the future of Africa. Countries in Africa have high unemployment rates and do not possess the industries or the infrastructure to enable young Africans to thrive. This is why Afrikathon is important.
Africa’s youth population is rapidly growing and is expected to double to over 830 million by 2050. Of Africa’s nearly 420 million youth aged 15-35, one-third are unemployed and their prospects are low. Another third of this large number are vulnerably employed, and only one in six are in wage employment. According to the World Bank, young people make up 60% of all unemployed Africans. These are sad numbers to work with, but it can be salvaged.
In addition to this, we have to consider the reality of the world post-coronavirus. The sad fact is that the demand for technology and technological skills will rise, and so many jobs will cease to exist. A third of African youths are unemployed, and in the wake of COVID-19, the numbers will double. But does it have to?
We can hack into the future and change this picture. We can rewrite the code for Africa and Africans. We can use our talents, our skills, and our resources to ensure that we will not be swept up by the wave that will soon hit the world we know. Afrikathon is a means.
With remote-working rapidly becoming mainstream, young Africans will need to adapt to this culture, and evolve with it. This is why the Afrikathon Experience simulates a remote work condition, implementing real-life situations; with sessions, check-ins, calls, time zones and language barriers.
Afrikathon is like a portal through which we can go, and emerge prepared.
For the future, and for Africa! Signup for Afrikathon at https://kente.afrikathon.org/register
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