A New Platform for Young African Voices: The Future of Africa Podcast Series
The African continent stands at a critical juncture, grappling with a complex interplay of challenges and opportunities. Amidst global uncertainties, the voices and perspectives of young Africans are increasingly crucial in shaping the future trajectory of the continent. Recognizing this critical need, the United Nations Foundations, The Elders, and The African Union Youth Envoy have collaborated to launch “The Future of Africa,” a limited-episode podcast series designed to amplify the voices of young African leaders and facilitate insightful discussions on pressing global issues.
This inaugural podcast series aims to create a platform for open dialogue and knowledge sharing, exploring a range of critical topics, including climate justice, development finance, strengthening trust in democratic institutions, and reimagining the future of education. By focusing on these key areas, the podcast seeks to address the systemic challenges hindering Africa’s progress while simultaneously highlighting the immense potential and opportunities that exist within the continent.
The podcast’s premiere episode, released on August 12, 2025, sets the tone for the series by examining Africa’s evolving role on the global stage. It delves into the continent’s growing influence, driven by a new generation of dynamic voices and visionary leaders who are challenging conventional narratives and advocating for innovative solutions to global challenges. This initial episode serves as a springboard for subsequent discussions that will delve deeper into specific thematic areas.
The Future of Africa podcast recognizes that young people across the continent, particularly in nations like Nigeria, face significant hurdles, including high inflation rates, soaring unemployment, limited job creation, and a scarcity of entrepreneurial opportunities. These challenges often lead to feelings of disillusionment and disenfranchisement, hindering their full participation in shaping their communities and nations. However, the podcast aims to provide a space for young leaders to not only articulate these challenges but also to collaboratively explore potential solutions and pathways toward a more prosperous future.
To ensure a diverse range of perspectives and expertise, the podcast has assembled an esteemed panel of interviewees, comprising key stakeholders from various sectors. These include Chimdi Neliaku, Special Assistant to the Speaker on Interparliamentary Affairs and Public Relations in the Nigerian House of Representatives, representing the governmental perspective; Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa and Convener of the Not Too Young To Run Movement, embodying the energy and vision of youth activism; and Chukwuemeka Eze, Director of Democratic Resilience at Open Society Foundations, contributing expertise on strengthening democratic institutions.
By bringing together these influential voices, the podcast aims to foster a robust and nuanced discussion that moves beyond merely identifying challenges to exploring concrete solutions and actionable strategies. The organizers believe that by providing a platform for these conversations to take place, they can empower young African leaders to take ownership of their future and contribute meaningfully to shaping the continent’s destiny. The goal is to create a ripple effect, inspiring further engagement and collaboration among young people across Africa and beyond.
The Future of Africa podcast series is not merely a platform for discussion; it is a call to action. It challenges Africans and those interested in the continent’s future to actively listen to the voices of its young people, engage with their innovative ideas, and work together to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable future. The podcast serves as a reminder that the future of Africa rests in the hands of its youth, and by empowering them with the tools and platforms to amplify their voices, we can unlock the continent’s immense potential and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. This collaborative initiative between the United Nations Foundations, The Elders, and The African Union Youth Envoy represents a significant step towards realizing this vision. The podcast seeks to inspire a new era of leadership and collaboration, driven by the passion, creativity, and resilience of Africa’s young generation. By fostering open dialogue and promoting innovative solutions, it aims to create a tangible impact on the lives of young people across the continent and contribute to building a more prosperous and sustainable future for all. The Future of Africa podcast is more than just a series of conversations; it’s an investment in the future of the continent.
