Young leaders gathered in Johannesburg this past August for the Youth 20 (Y20) Summit, the official youth engagement group of the G20, marking the first time the Y20 was hosted on African soil. This was more than symbolic. It sent a powerful message: Africa’s youth must be at the center of global leadership.
Every year at the Y20, delegates under 30 debate five main urgent issues: gender equality, climate and energy action, inclusive economies, digital transformation, and the future of work and education. These are critical themes for a generation already grappling with high levels of unemployment, a worsening climate crisis, and deepening inequality.
“The Y20 in South Africa was historic because it showed the world that African youth are ready to lead,” said Malachi Uys, a member of the Y20 Working Group. “What stood out to me was that young people are no longer asking to be included, we’re demanding it. If leaders truly want to achieve the goals they set, they have to put us at the table and let us help shape the decisions being made.”
Youth Push for a Y20 Sherpas Council
One of the most heated debates at the Y20 in Johannesburg centered on how to make youth engagement more than a one-off annual event. Delegates called for the creation of a Y20 Sherpas Council — a permanent body of youth representatives and policymakers from G20 countries. The idea was simple yet dynamic: rather than allow youth recommendations to fade after each summit, the council would ensure continuity, follow-through, and accountability year after year.
Not all countries supported the proposal, however.Some G7 members pushed back. But several delegations, including South Africa, Italy, Japan, and Indonesia, championed it as the best way to turn bold words into real action. When consensus couldn’t be reached, delegates broke with tradition by failing to issue a standard communiqué. Instead, they produced a “Chair’s Text”, a document summarizing areas of agreement while highlighting the call for stronger structures like the Sherpas Council.
By choosing principle over procedure, young leaders indicated that youth engagement must move beyond symbolism and become truly embedded in systems that shape global decision-making.
Why Africa’s Youth Must Be at the Forefront
Africa is the world’s youngest population, with 60% of citizens under 25. By 2035, the continent’s workforce will surpass 1 billion people. Every year, around 20 million young Africans enter the labor market to find only a fraction of the jobs needed.
This youth wave is both an opportunity and a risk. With proper investment, Africa’s growing population could drive massive economic growth, fueling global growth and innovation. Without it, the world could face growing instability and rising inequality.
The stakes are equally high on climate. Africa holds 60% of the world’s best solar resources, yet accounts for less than 3% of installed solar capacity. Closing this gap by empowering African youth to lead in renewable energy is essential not just for the continent, but for achieving global climate goals.
“Young people already have the solutions; what we need is for our voices to be heard,” explained Duduzile Mabaso, a sustainability advocate and Founder of Her Pride Foundation who attended the Y20 summit.
“Too often, decisions are made about us without us. But when youth are included in the process, we bring fresh ideas and perspectives that can really move things forward. Not just for Africa, but for the world."
The Cost of Inaction: Climate & Youth Unemployment
Failure to invest in Africa’s youth will come with a steep cost. Unemployment is sure to rise, potentially fueling unrest and instability. For instance, in Kenya, where unemployment, poverty, and inequality sparked nationwide youth-led protests in 2024, nearly 39% of young people are unemployed.
Youth unemployment is one of the biggest economic barriers across Africa. Of the continent’s nearly 420 million young people aged 15 to 35, a third are unemployed and another third are stuck in vulnerable, informal jobs.
This crisis is more than just a labor market issue, it threatens countries’ long-term growth and stability. Investing in a country’s youth is essential for its future. Without robust investments in education reforms, enterprise support, and job creation, Africa risks losing a generation of talent and falling further behind on development as millions of young Africans remain sidelined.
Leaders of the Y2O are pictured with South Africa's National Youth Development Agency Board Members, the Mayor of Erkhuleni, and South Africa's Deputy Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Steve Letsike.
When it comes to climate adaptation and energy solutions in Africa — a major focus of Global Citizen’s Scaling Up Renewables (SURA) Campaign we’re spearheading in 2025 — solar makes up only around 3% of the continent’s electricity generation. Despite solar being the most affordable energy option in many African countries, limited investment, weak grids, and skills gaps have led to untapped potential. Without urgent financing and youth skills development, Africa risks falling even further behind in renewable distribution — a missed triple opportunity to create jobs, expand energy access, and cut emissions. Meanwhile, money for climate adaptation is short by billions, impacting Africa disproportionately.
Africa’s youth are already building solutions — they just need investment. Programs such as the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (an initiative by the Global Centre for Adaptation and the African Development Bank) are mobilizing $25 billion over five years for adaptation and initiatives like the YouthADAPT Challenge, which funds youth-led enterprises in climate-smart agriculture and green entrepreneurship, are showing how it can be done.
Investment can also look like Global Citizen’s own SURA campaign, which calls for building up much-needed renewable energy across the continent driven by young African climate leaders under the SURA fellowship program.
Because backing young innovators isn’t just about doing what’s right — it’s about turning vulnerability into resilience.
A Call For Investment Ahead of the G20
With the countdown to the G20 officially underway, young people’s message to global leaders is clear: it’s time to step up for the future of the continent. Supporting Africa’s youth is not only a win for Africa, but for the entire world. With the youngest and fastest-growing population on the planet, Africa is home to the leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who will define our collective future — but only if platforms like the G20 actually listen to them and act on their priorities.
The G20 has the influence and resources to turn this promise into reality. Our global future depends on it. From investing in education and climate solutions to creating pathways for youth to shape decisions directly, the G20 can, and must, include young directives into their meeting agendas this November. If the G20 listens, it can help build a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all.
Precious Huntley, a young climate advocate and Y20 delegate, hit the nail on the head when noting that Africa’s first Y20 "showed how connected our struggles and hopes are as young people. Whether it’s climate change, unemployment, or education, these are not just African challenges, they’re global ones. If the world invests in us, African youth can be the driving force for solutions that benefit everyone.”
Global leaders have the power to unlock Africa’s potential. All they need to do is listen to the youth who are ready to lead.