Contribution, Opportunities and Challenges Faced by African Youth towards Sustainable Development, the Case of Dete, Zimbabwe

Nolwazi Ndlovu, Youth and Women Inclusion Practitioner

The paper examines the role of youth in driving sustainable development in African communities. Using a qualitative and desk research, sample of 30 young people was randomly selected, and questionnaires and focused group discussions were used as data collection tools. The data collected assessed knowledge of development goals among youths, participation in any of the goals in their community and the challenges that they face. Sample size was mixed including youth leading development initiatives those in school and out of school for diversity. Findings showed that youth have been active in community development initiatives such as climate action, smart agriculture, governance and politics among others. The paper examines whether or not Africa’s policy systems are conducive and capacitating enough to enable youth to thrive as change makers. The paper highly recommended context: evidence-based research and effective documentation to rewrite and tell authentic success stories of African youth and their role in development.