The power of innovation: Unlocking opportunities for youth in the 21st century

AFRICA: INNOVATION is rapidly transforming industries, societies, and economies around the globe, and youth are at the centre of this seismic shift.

With access to cutting-edge technology, education, and entrepreneurial opportunities, young people are better positioned than ever to drive progress and shape the future. However, the question remains: how can they best harness innovation to build sustainable careers and solve the challenges of the 21st century?

In today’s world, technology is a key driver of innovation, providing young people with tools to create, connect, and solve problems on an unprecedented scale.

The rapid advancement of fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and biotechnology is reshaping the labour market, creating new jobs and industries that didn’t exist a decade ago.

An innovation expert and Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Ms Lilian Shirima, explains how technological advancements have opened doors for youth to enter sectors traditionally dominated by older generations.

“The democratization of technology, especially with the rise of mobile apps and affordable internet access, has enabled young people to bypass traditional employment pathways and create their own opportunities. Startups in fields like fintech, agritech, and e-commerce are thriving, and a large portion of these companies are founded by individuals under the age of 35,” she said.

The accessibility of online education platforms, coding boot camps, and massive open online courses (MOOCs) has also revolutionized learning. Young innovators from remote areas or underserved communities can now gain skills and knowledge that were once restricted to elite institutions.

This levelling of the playing field has led to the emergence of a more diverse, creative, and resilient workforce.

Innovation is also a critical tool for addressing inequality. For youth from marginalized communities, it provides an avenue to improve their socioeconomic standing, allowing them to compete in a globalized world.

In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, for example, young entrepreneurs are using technology to address local challenges, from improving agricultural productivity to enhancing healthcare access.

A key example is M-Pesa, the mobile money platform developed in Tanzania, which has not only revolutionized financial services but has also empowered rural communities by providing access to banking and credit.

“M-Pesa is a game-changer for us,” says 24-year-old Halima Mlugu, a small business owner in Dar es Salaam. “Before, we had no way to receive payments or send money easily, but now, with a phone, we can connect with clients from all over the country.”

Similarly, in India, youthled innovation is making a significant impact. Ritu Malhotra, a 28-year-old entrepreneur leaving in Tanzania, said “Innovation is not just about fancy technology; it’s about creating solutions that address real problems faced by people on the ground. With the right support, youth can become the architects of a more equitable future,” she shares.

In recent years, efforts have been made to promote gender diversity in innovation. Programs like ‘Tech Needs Girls’ in Ghana and ‘Girls Who Code’ in the United States and Tanzania aim to encourage more young women to pursue careers in technology and innovation by providing mentorship, training, and access to resources.

Neema Rugemalira, a leading advocate for women at St Augustine University of Tanzania, underscores the importance of these initiatives.

“When we empower young women to engage in innovation, we tap into a vast pool of talent that is often overlooked. Gender balanced innovation leads to more diverse perspectives and, consequently, more effective solutions. In fact, research shows that companies with higher female representation in leadership roles tend to be more profitable and innovative,” she explains.

However, more needs to be done to ensure that women have equal opportunities to innovate and lead. Creating supportive environments, offering financial incentives, and addressing societal stereotypes are key to achieving gender parity in this space.

Another major advantage of innovation is its potential to create jobs for young people. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, more than 65 per cent of children entering primary school today will work in jobs that do not yet exist.

This highlights the importance of fostering an innovative mindset among youth, equipping them with skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Digital platforms like Upwork and Fiverr have democratized the labor market, allowing young professionals to find freelance work in fields such as graphic design, software development, and digital marketing. These platforms offer youth the opportunity to become self employed, build portfolios, and earn a living without being confined to traditional employment structures.

Moreover, the rise of the gig economy has led to the growth of industries like ride-sharing and food delivery, creating millions of jobs worldwide. However, there is a need to ensure that these jobs offer fair wages and social protections, especially for youth entering the workforce for the first time.

Elisha Barnaba, a 23-yearold software developer from Dodoma University, highlights how the gig economy has transformed his career.

“I started freelancing when I was still in advance level, and now I’m working with clients from different part with in the country. Innovation has made it possible for me to earn a good income while looking forward to gaining experience in the global market,” he said.

For innovation to truly benefit youth, governments and institutions must play a proactive role in creating supportive ecosystems. This includes investing in research and development (R&D), providing access to capital for young entrepreneurs, and reforming education systems to prioritize STEM subjects and digital literacy