Osman Ayariga criticises African governments for failing the youth at AU event

The Deputy National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Osman Ayariga, has expressed deep concern over the failure of African governments to address the needs of the continent's young population.

Speaking at an African Union (AU) event organised by UNESCO, Mr. Ayariga lamented the lack of meaningful opportunities and effective policies aimed at empowering the youth, who make up a significant portion of Africa’s population.

According to him, governments are not doing enough to invest in the future of young people, leading to increased unemployment, poverty, and social instability.

Mr. Ayariga stressed that the failure of leadership across the continent has left millions of young people disenfranchised, with many unable to access quality education, job opportunities, or proper healthcare.

He emphasised that while governments often make promises to support youth development, there is a wide gap between rhetoric and action.

This disconnect, he noted, is contributing to the growing frustration among young Africans, who feel neglected by their leaders.

In his address, Ayariga urged African governments to prioritize youth empowerment by creating sustainable programs and policies that provide education, skills training, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

He argued that the youth are Africa’s greatest resource, and investing in them is key to ensuring the continent's growth and stability. Without concrete steps to support young people, he warned that Africa risks falling further behind in global development.

Ayariga concluded by calling on the African Union to hold member states accountable for their commitments to youth development.

He highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts between governments, the private sector, and civil society to create an environment where young Africans can thrive and contribute to the continent’s progress.

"The future of work in Africa is full of potential, but to unlock this potential, we must act now.

We must bridge the gap between the hopes of our youth and the realities of the job market by reforming our education systems to be future-fit, equitable, and responsive."

"Africa’s young people are resilient, creative, and innovative.

They are ready to lead the continent into the future, but they need the right tools and opportunities to do so. Let us work together—governments, educational institutions, the private sector, and civil society—to create an environment where our youth can thrive and contribute to the prosperity of our continent," he said.