President John Dramani Mahama has passionately called on African governments to channel their investments into sectors where the youth are already leading, notably creative industries, digital and fintech startups, renewable energy, and agritech.
Speaking at the private-public business dialogue during TICAD 9 in Japan, President Mahama highlighted that creative and digital sectors generate employment up to four times faster than traditional industries such as agriculture or manufacturing. He underscored:
“The youth are interested in sectors that are not traditional creatives, renewable energy, investing in those sectors means we can absorb more of the young people coming out of school,” he stated.
“creative sector and youth startups are adding jobs faster, they add about four jobs before you can create one job in agriculture or manufacturing,” he added.
Citing a staggering statistic, he said that 60% of Africa’s population falls within the 16–35 age bracket, a demographic that cannot be ignored.
He warned of the risks if systems fail to employ these young people:
“That’s a demographic you cannot ignore the world is changing, it’s now a knowledge economy.” “If you do not create enough jobs fast enough… then it will become a gunpowder keg.” He said.
President Mahama praised young fintech innovators for solving long-standing problems like extension of inputs and credit to farmers through digital platforms that track usage and performance, enabling financing and input distribution with accountability and precision.
President Mahama’s message delivers a clear directive: African governments must shift from traditional economic models to strategic investments that align with the skills and interests of its largest demographic group.
Fostering digital startup ecosystems, creative industries, renewable energy innovations, and agritech solutions will not only yield employment but also mitigate social risks linked to youth unemployment.
By: J.W Quarm
