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What happens when a generation of young Africans grows up with education, skills and ambition, but sees little space for itself within the systems that are supposed to shape its future?
For Fortunata Immaculata, this question is deeply connected to the realities facing young people in conflict-affected parts of Africa.
Speaking about the situation in Cameroon, Fortunata acknowledges that she has not experienced the crisis in her home region first-hand, but follows developments through reports and the news. What she sees is deeply concerning: young people are leaving their communities in search of what they perceive as better opportunities, often without regard to the risks involved.
The consequences extend far beyond individual migration.
In affected communities, schools have closed, economic activity has declined and entire regions are losing the young people who would otherwise contribute to their social and economic future.
For Fortunata, this points to a much larger continental question: why do so many young Africans feel excluded from the systems that are supposed to serve them?
Africa has one of the world’s youngest populations. Its young people are educated, skilled, ambitious and increasingly connected to the wider world. Yet many continue to feel invisible when decisions are being made about politics, business, economic opportunity and the future of their communities.
When young people cannot see a meaningful place for themselves within the systems around them, migration can begin to appear to be the only available pathway.
This is why the youth question cannot be treated simply as a migration issue.
It is also a question of governance, economic opportunity, inclusion, security and dignity.
The challenge for Africa is therefore not merely to persuade young people to stay. It is to create conditions in which they can see a future worth building at home.
Fortunata’s perspective reminds us that Africa’s demographic dividend will only become an asset if young Africans are given meaningful opportunities to participate in shaping the continent they will inherit.
The question is not whether Africa’s youth have something to contribute.
The question is whether Africa’s institutions are prepared to listen to them, include them and give them a genuine stake in the future.
The Voice
“Why do young people see themselves excluded from the systems that were supposed to serve them in the first place?”
— Fortunata Immaculata
It is a question that goes beyond Cameroon. It speaks to a generation across Africa.
Who will be our next featured voice? Don’t miss, Keep reading!
About Women in Geopolitics
The Women in Geopolitics Debate Series is a high-level thought-leadership platform dedicated to amplifying African voices, particularly women’s voices, in conversations on geopolitics, global affairs, governance, leadership and development.
Through dialogue with women leaders, diplomats, policymakers, business leaders, academics and experts from across Africa and beyond, the programme is building a growing archive of African women’s perspectives on the issues shaping our continent and our world.
We invite you to visit the Women in Geopolitics Knowledge Hub on YouTube, explore previous conversations and subscribe as we unveil a new voice every day throughout August.
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About the author
Madelein Mkunu is the President of Leading Women of Africa (LWA), a Pan-African social enterprise promoting women's leadership in economic development, and the founder of Beyond Boundaries, a global content and advocacy platform amplifying African women’s voices in policy, peacebuilding, and development. A bilingual English–French strategist and accomplished public speaker, she brings over 20 years of experience in gender mainstreaming, inclusive governance, and stakeholder engagement across Africa and globally. She holds an MBA and a Master’s in Management from IEDC-Bled School of Management (Slovenia), a Postgraduate Degree in Development Studies from the University of the Western Cape (South Africa), a Certificate in Leadership from the Dale Carnegie Institute, and is an alumna of Michigan State University’s Women Empowerment Programme. With a background in accounting and a passion for transformative change, Madelein is a trusted advisor to institutions seeking Africa-rooted development solutions.
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