Africa urged to invest in youth as global movement launches in Kenya

A global movement connecting over a billion youths worldwide to discuss their issues and be at the center of solutions, has established its Kenyan Chapter. The initiative, Billi Now Now, was developed against the backdrop that youth, who form a majority of the world's population, face intersectional physical, legal, and economic barriers in meeting their social and reproductive health needs and improving their livelihoods.

Achieng Akumu, the Africa Regional Director for Planned Parenthood Global, which is providing technical assistance for the movement, said, "This movement has been built to share information, empower youth to have their voice by designing the particular initiatives that they think are important to improve their health rights and future." She explained that the youth are the largest population in Africa but are yet to fully reap benefits.

The movement aims to raise awareness of overlooked youth issues and create a sense of solidarity among the youth by helping them feel connected and empowered. It also aims to democratize power by putting pressure on policymakers and other decision-makers to take action on youth affairs. It aims to further promote health equity and economic and social justice by advocating through the use of technology and traversing geographical borders for greater impact.

According to Eric Gitau, the Chief of Development Dynamics, a consulting firm supporting the growth and development of Billi Now Now within East Africa, "Young people want their voices not only heard but their contributions taken towards the realization of the issues that are pressing for them."

Billi Now Now began in Burkina Faso as a project that wanted to use pop culture, art, and social media to reach and empower young people. It has since spread across the continent and this year landed in East Africa, including Uganda. It incorporates organizations that are youth-led and issue-based dealing with topics such as climate change, education, gender, and technology, among other socio-economic issues.

A prior survey where they spoke to over 800 young people across East Africa revealed that 78 percent of them were most pressed by issues of where they are going to get the next meal and the quest for advancement in life. "This is a one billion plus network where young people can connect with others doing similar things, belong, and also find resources, trainings, and community engagement," said Gitau.

The focus on development ought to be empowering, educating, and equipping young people to take control of their future. Otherwise, the continent is setting itself up for failure. "There's a sense of hopelessness with youth, the policymakers aren't addressing their issues. If we don't invest in young people, educate them, make sure their health is good so that they can contribute to the economy, you're encouraging a criminal enterprise and migration," Akumu said.

The initiative provides a platform for young people to voice their concerns and contribute to solutions. It offers an opportunity for them to connect with others, find resources, and engage with their communities. By raising awareness of youth issues and democratizing power, the movement is empowering the next generation to take control of their future and create a better world for themselves and their communities.