The African continent, home to the world’s youngest population, faces a critical question regarding youth development. This was one of the themes discussed during plenary deliberations at the 19th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Africa Region on the motion “Harnessing the Potential of the Youth of Africa for Sustainable Development: the Role of Parliament”.
The debate focused on the critical role of parliaments in empowering young people to drive sustainable development, innovation and inclusive growth across Africa.
Moderating the discussion, Member of the National Assembly of the Parliament of South Africa Ms Andisiwe Kumbaca suggested that the potential of many young Africans remains constrained by unemployment, inequality, poverty, inadequate education and exclusion from policy-making processes.
“Africa is the youngest continent in the world, with more than 60% of its population under the age of 25. This demographic reality presents us with a choice. It can either be Africa's greatest asset or one of its greatest challenges. The difference will depend on the decisions we take today,” Ms Kumbaca said.
She called on Speakers and Presiding Officers across the Commonwealth to reflect on the role of parliaments in creating an environment that enables young people to realise their aspirations. Ms Kumbaca further argued that while many young people possess the talent and determination to succeed, policy shortcomings often prevent them from reaching their full potential. “The greatest threat to Africa’s future is not that it lacks resources, but that it underutilises its young people,” she said.
Calling on parliaments to strengthen their commitment to youth development, she stressed that youth issues should not be treated as peripheral matters. Instead, they should be central to parliamentary work through legislation, oversight, representation and budget approval processes.
“The question before us is not whether young people have potential. The question is whether our institutions have the courage to invest in that potential. Parliaments must be at the centre of these efforts through legislation, oversight and budgeting,” she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by many delegates, including Speaker of the National Assembly of Malawi Sameer Suleman, who challenged parliaments to reflect on whether they are doing enough to create opportunities for young people.
“This motion is described as Africa’s greatest promise, but if we are honest, it also represents our most urgent test. We hear the phrase ‘youth are the future’ so often that it has become a comfort. But the truth is sharper. Africa’s young people are not just the future; they are shaping the present. The question is whether we, as parliaments, are shaping an environment in which they can succeed,” he said.
The discussion formed part of the conference theme, “Proactive Parliaments and Sustainable Development: An Imperative for Political Stability in Africa”. The conference has brought together parliamentary representatives from more than 50 African countries, including speakers, presiding officers and heads of provincial legislatures, to deliberate on parliamentary democracy, governance, accountability and sustainable development.
Malatswa Molepo
19 June 2026
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