Accra, 14 April (TDI):Â On 11 April, the newest young leaders in West Africa graduated from a three-week project named Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). The training took place in the YALI Regional Leadership Center, Accra, Ghana. The YALI project is offered by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Before April, the project already had had 38 cohorts.
USAID has posted blogs to show how African young leaders have contributed to the continent in the days following the event. Accordingly, the interviews of young leaders showed the great significance of young leadership education.
What Is Yali Project?
The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is a typical program designed by the government of the United States. YALI project focuses on investing in the next generation of African leaders to build and develop their capabilities. YALI believes that young African leaders can make a great difference in contributing to sustainable development and prosperity on the African continent. Also, young leaders have the potential to foster economic growth, promote democratic governance, and strengthen civil society structures.
The YALI project started in the year 2010. The project consists of three main components. They are the Regional Leadership Centers (RLCs), the Mandela Washington Fellowship, and the YALI Network. Moreover, YALI offers three different tracks for young leaders in different fields. These three tracks are the Business and Entrepreneurship track, the Civil Society Management track, and the Public Policy and Management track.
The implementation of the YALI project covers various agencies in the United States. The USAID is responsible for the management of programming at the YALI Regional Leadership Centers (RLCs) located in African countries. Besides, the Department of State is responsible for the annual Mandela Washington Fellowship and monitoring work of the virtual YALI Network.
Why Is Young Leadership Crucial In Africa?
According to USAID, 60% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population is under the age of 35. In addition, data shows that in 2019, 76.3% of young people in sub-Saharan Africa could read and write simple statements. The literacy rate among those aged 15 to 24 years has been increasing in the region. By the year 2000, 66.2% of youth are literate young people.
The above data shows that sub-Saharan Africa has a large population of young people. Thus, Africa’s current and future development will depend on their contributions and efforts. Young people are not only shaping Africa’s future, they have the potential to be a powerful force for change on the continent.
Currently, the African continent is facing challenges in terms of social stability, corruption, and the threat of violent extremism. Furthermore, high unemployment and limited educational options prevent young people from reaching their potential. Therefore, offering outstanding young people a chance to build their entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management skills will help them contribute to Africa’s development and exert greater influence in the future.
Chensi is majored in diplomacy. Her main research interests include Sino-African relations, African foreign affairs, public diplomacy and sustainable development.
