With the support of
Africa is the world’s youngest continent—about 75% of its population is under 35. But the voices of its young people are sometimes not heard or centered in conversations about Africa’s future. Youth are the leaders of today, not tomorrow, and their voices must be heard for change to occur.
In 2023, the Mastercard Foundation partnered with Caribou to collaborate with young people from across the African continent and explore the role digital technologies can play in supporting dignified and fulfilling work for young Africans. Five interconnected themes capture the breadth and depth of these experiences: digital access, skills for a digital age, jobs and livelihoods, voice, and choice.
Twenty young people of diverse experiences and backgrounds shared their experiences and insights over several months. Their stories took shape through video conferences, WhatsApp discussions, literature reviews, and other consultative methods, culminating in the report “Youth in Digital Africa: Our Connections. Our Choices. Our Future.”
