An Africa Network Conversation: The Importance of Youth Participation in Democratic Processes

Africa has the youngest population in the world with more than 400 million people between the ages of 15 and 35, according to the African Union’s website. One of the biggest challenges is harnessing the potential of this group to drive the continent’s growth and development and to counter democratic decline. Many young people’s attitudes toward democracy are negative due to rising income inequality and a distrust of politicians and public institutions.

The Kettering Foundation’s Democracy around the Globe team is hosting an online conversation featuring members of its Africa Network. Panelists Maame Afua Asantewaa Adusei, Tendai Murisa, and Ayanda Roji will discuss the importance of youth participation in democratic processes and how it can be encouraged. They will also explore why Africa’s democracies must make greater overtures to young people. Jaco Roets, global training and incubation manager at Accountability Lab, will moderate this event.

Don't miss this timely discussion!

Please forward this invitation to others you think might benefit from the conversation.

Wednesday, August 14, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET

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Meeting ID: 844 8147 3894 Passcode: 764809

Featured Panelists

Maame Afua Asantewaa Adusei is a political analyst with the Directorate of Political Affairs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission. She is an anchor in the youth empowerment projects and the Youth, Peace, and Security agenda for the commission. Adusei is a member of the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) and the Youth Voices of Change Forum. She is also a champion of the Youth Peace and Security Agenda in West Africa.

Tendai Murisa is executive director for the SIVIO Institute and a development practitioner and researcher in the areas of public policy, agency, social movements, philanthropy, NGOs, and pro-poor development across Africa. He has published extensively on agency, agrarian reforms (especially in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in Africa), citizens and civil society, financial inclusion, social entrepreneurship, and social policy. You can read Murisa’s recent blogs at www.tendaimurisa.org.

Ayanda Roji is a social scientist who is passionate about people-centered public spaces with a focus on how shared spaces are designed, activated, sustained, and inclusive of groups with divergent aspirations and particularities. She strongly advocates for innovative participatory planning and design practices that stimulate belonging and public ownership. Currently, Roji heads the Corporate Research and Knowledge Management Department at Johannesburg City Parks and Zoos and is convenor of the Centre on African Public Spaces, which is a Pan-African public space knowledge sharing hub.