'The African Journey'

We have come a long way in our journey as Africans filled so much experiences which have shaped us to be who we are today. In so many aspects the various pieces of our life puzzle all with their different features make up a complete picture that reflects on the paths that we have travelled as individuals and groups. My journey has been a unique one filled with so many lessons which have shaped my life in so many aspects being a young person in Africa are we free from forces affecting development? As a young person haveI been fully emancipated socially and economically ?

It is important to look at current challenges affecting the continent and how as a young person I can be instrumental in coming up with solutions. In the past as young people we were marginalised in various spheres yet today there has been a shift in the tide. It is imperative to take note of young people who have managed to contribute in the fight against forces that are affecting black people in our continent. In light of this it is very imperative to take into consideration what this means to be an African youth today.

A lot of developments have been evidenced in the different spheres as there has been a rise in the literacy rates, number of young people becoming active economic players and advent of great innovative solutions to Africa's problems. It is without doubt that a great and new chapter has been opened for the African youth today. Looking back in our history as a continent we have progressed from primitive stage developing over the years embracing new ways of doing things as this has greatly imparted our history. The adoption of new ways of doing business, solutions that have been ushered in growth in different areas of our lives, high rise in our education system, economies booming attracting foreign investors.

However on the other hand there are challenges affecting the African youth today. One would consider  development  effective once young people are emancipated from the social ,economic and other forces stifling their progress.

In addition when it comes to the social and economic emancipation the alarming rise of unemployment in our continent is alarming. Social issues affecting young people in Africa today also point to the urgent need to effectively address the issues at hand. It is evident in the high rise of cases of underdevelopment in most African countries due to limiting internal and external factors.

It then leads to consider that an effective solution required for young people to be fully emancipated. I for one will advocate for a complete overhaul in the way we think and conduct our business as young people in Africa. Young people  need to shift the narrative on how the order of events in our continent and global sphere should be like. Young people in Africa need to have self belief which will lead to a change and contribute greatly to growth of individuals as well as the continent.

It is imperative that young people shift the narrative by being different through writing their own course and mapping their future . Young people have what it takes to solve Africa's problems and build a bright future for the continent. A new dawn awaits the African youth today, think different and be the difference. My journey has been a phenomenal one filled with lots of positive insight because of the kind of thinking that I have chosen my hope is to establish a new course in the continent by being a change agent.
 
Thabani P Mlilo is an author, speaker and change agent who seeks to add value in people's lives through inspiring talks as well as articles. His aim is to help, serve, give time and make a contribution for the betterment of our generation.