Building Africa’s Youth Through Culture, Not Charity

Building Africa’s youth through culture, not charity

By Kayode Adebayo On World Youth Skills Day 2025, the global conversation revisited a familiar question: how do we equip young people with the tools for a future that is both uncertain and full of promise? But for Africa, the question is more urgent and more personal. With over 60% of its population under the age of 25 and a rapidly growing digital ecosystem, Africa is not merely preparing for the future—it is building it from the ground up. Yet…

Building the Future We Imagine: Why Culture, Not Charity, Will Skill Africa’s Youth

On World Youth Skills Day 2025, Kayode Adebayo explores why Africa must look inward to build a future driven by youth and culture—not charity. With over 60% of its population under 25, Africa stands at a unique crossroads. This article argues that true transformation will come not from imported models, but from empowering the continent’s creative economy. Spotlighting the work of Arts Connect Africa (ACA) and Ckrowd, Adebayo outlines how trainin…