I will be in a number of cities in the next few weeks, and would be glad to speak with -- or meet with (when space and time permits) -- TIG members who have interest in the use of ICTs for Development. I am involved in a number of research efforts ("African Youth and ICT Policy Engagement", "Nigeria, Africa and the Internet Governance Debate", "Telecenters and Better Livelihoods", "Youth, ICTs and Human Development", etc) and would love to have feedback from those who share similar interest around such themes. Dates and places follow:

June 19 - 21: Abuja, Nigeria
June 22 - 23: Lagos, Nigeria
June 24 - 28: Vancouver, Canada
June 29 - July 2: Columbus, Ohio / Toronto, Canada / Calgary, Canada [TBD]
July 3 - 4: Vancouver, Canada
July 5 - 6: Ile-Ife, Nigeria
July 7: Akure, Nigeria [TBC]
July 8: Benin, Nigeria

Please send me a private message, and I'd be glad to share the research materials with you. Thank you! E se... Merci.

1 The African Youth Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) Network – AYIN – is a pan-African and all-inclusive platform for African Youth input into the African Information Society agenda. With a vision of, “a networked generation of young Africans empowering themselves and contributing to the continent’s active participation in the Information Society”, the network is set to move youth inclusion to the next level, as far as the Information Society is concerned.

2 Where is AYIN coming from?
AYIN was launched on the 4th of February 2005 at the second African Regional meeting for the World Summit on the Information Society (Accra 2005), but the network is a product of time and efforts. Beginning with a fortunate crystallization of youth advocacy efforts which were later supported by the Economic Commission for Africa (through a mailing list), young Africans discussed their role and expectations around the Information Society.

These discussions led to the emergence of concrete proposals on the path to follow in order to move in the direction of progress. With the support of numerous organizations, youth gathered at Accra 2005 and came up with action-laden recommendations – including the setting up of the African Youth ICT4D Network through which they promised to lead action within the Information Society.

3 AYIN: Another network?
AYIN does not seek to replace, or compete with existing networks. Rather, our aim is to identify, complement and support such networks as possible avenues through which Africa’s dream can be realized.

In the course of delivering our Plan of Action, the network will liaise with individuals, organizations, institutions, people groups and other networks in engaging sustainable and efficient mechanisms that can accelerate Africa’s wholesome development through the instrumentality of Information and Communication Technologies – Africa’s password to leadership in the New Economy.

4 Who is involved?
The African Youth ICT4D Network involves organizations that are led by youth, or work around youth issues. All young Africans –regardless of location, sex, language or creed – own this network. Experts, newbies and enthusiasts will join hands to build the Africa of our dreams, especially as it relates to the role that ICTs can play in such processes.

5 How does the AYIN work?
The network set up a coordinating team, the AYIN Bureau, to lead organizational strategies. The bureau acts in line with the constitution, and helps lead the implementation of the Plan of Action. The network has also nominated an 11-man bureau, representing all the five regions of the continent and the Diaspora.

6 Where can I get more information?
Upon leaving Accra, the network registered two domain names – www.ayinetwork.org and its French equivalent, www.reseauaji.org. This online platform will help provide a one-stop centre for information on the network, its people, activities, opportunities and successes! While the online home of the network is being set up, you may get more information by sending an email to info@ayinetwork.org.

7 How can I be involved?
You are one of the many wonderful people who can participate in the activities of the network, support its programs or advise the bureau. You can help promote AYIN efforts in your local community – village, school, community, town, state, country or sub-region. Please direct all requests, or offer of support to info@ayinetwork.org.

8 CONCLUSION: AFRICAN YOUTH RESOLUTIONS

In the framework of the Information Society, the African Youth ICT4D Network,

Aware that the Information Society should be about people and development;

Considering the United Nations Charter and Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Millennium Declaration, the Bamako Declaration, the African Youth Declaration on the WSIS and the NEPAD;

Convinced that Africa’s youth have and should play a key role in bridging the digital divide;

Reaffirming our common desire to establish an Information Society that focuses on people and development over profit and technology;

Has agreed as follows:

1. We invite all youth-led or youth-oriented organizations from all African regions including the Diaspora to adhere to this declaration
2. To launch the African Youth Information and Communications Technology for Development (ICT4D) Network
3. That we, as youth, will lead action within the Information Society and ensure sustainability and efficiency of the African Youth ICT4D Network
4. That Governments should commit resources and political will towards the translation of past recommendations into visible and sustainable action
5. That Governments should provide an enabling environment for youth input and empowerment, e.g. through the provision of tax incentives for youth-led Information and Communication Technologies business start-ups
6. That International Organizations should support the implementation of the African Youth ICT4D Network’s (AYIN) action plan
7. That the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) will establish a youth desk to manage the activities of the network, and facilitate youth participation in relevant regional meetings such as the Africa/Arab WSIS Meeting and the Fifth African Development Forum (ADF V)
8. That the Committee on Development Information (CODI) will integrate youth views into its work plan, and facilitate the involvement of youth at the CODI IV meeting on the Information Economy
9. That we endorse and support the Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF) as one of the financial mechanisms to tackle the digital divide, and request for youth representation on the DSF council
10. That relevant stakeholders (women, media, academia, private sector, civil society, African youth in Diaspora, etc) will support the action plan and work of the African Youth ICT4D Network

“It is understanding that gives us ability to have peace. When we understand the other fellow’s viewpoint, and he understands ours, then we can sit down and work our differences” - H. S. Truman

Twelve young researchers, working from 10 countries, representing four continents and looking into the role of new Information and Communication Technologies in Peace and Conflict situations have issued a call for essays and feedback (on questionnaires) from other young people in line with their research efforts.

Beginning in 2005, Phase III of the University of Hawaii Toda Institute for peace and policy research program focuses on “Peace, Education, Art, Culture, and Environment in a Globalizing World” (hence the acronym PEACE). The new phase in the Toda Institute’s research program will examine the problems and prospects of an emerging global society in confrontation and negotiation with the local circumstances. In keeping with its motto, “Dialogue of Civilizations for Global Citizenship”, the Institute invited outside participants to join them in this research venture and these 12 young people responded through the PECAE and ICTs project proposal.

The aim of the proposed project is to analyze and identify possible relationships between conflicts and the set of technological and educational inequalities known as the digital divide. The research effort seeks to identify the perceptions of youths internationally in this regard and the proposed study will make enquiry into the views and perceptions of youth towards possible implementation of new communication technologies for promotion of peace and tolerance. The young researchers are Ashim Karmacharyah (Nepal), Ayesha Rauf (Pakistan), Blagica Stojkosca (Macedonia), Christiane Capizzi (USA), Dmitry Epstein (Israel), Farah Mahmood (Pakistan), ‘Gbenga Sesan (Nigeria), Leonardo Aquino (Brazil), Lisa Thurston (Australia), Michael Gofman (Israel), Olua Ingero (Sweden) and Vipavinee Artpradid (Thailand).

Led and designed by young researchers, this study will question different aspects of conflicts (cultural, socio-economic, etc.) from the point of view of youth, particularly focusing on the digital divide. Towards a better intercultural dialogue, the study will inquire into a variety of perceptions held by today’s youths and their vision for the future, even where this vision challenges the existing policies and views. The project will analyze and summarize the collected data and will produce a major output in form of a book. The book will be a valuable reference material for peace researchers as a new generation seeks to understand peace and conflicts in the context of contemporary technologies and the society.

Towards fulfilling the objectives of the truly global and youth-led research effort, we invite essays from young people on the various themes thrown up by the aims of the research. Essays should not exceed 5,000 words (but can be much less) and should be sent to the research team member in your country or continent (as quoted above: gbenga.sesan@h-network.org) and marked with the subject line, “PEACE and ICTs Project Youth Essays”.

May I also invite you to read the report of progress on the research effort in Africa so far (at www.gbengasesan.com/madrid.pdf) and ask that you please download a copy of the questionnaire at www.gbengasesan.com/quest.doc.

Please send essays and completed questionnaires to gbenga.sesan@h-network.org before September 11 2005. If you need more information on how you can contribute to this process (or you want further clarification) and live in Nigeria or Africa, please contact ‘Gbenga Sesan by sending an email to gbenga.sesan@h-network.org.

“Meetings have held, seminars have been hosted, communiqués have been issued but it appears that the face of things in Africa remains the same, if not deteriorating. We believe it’s high time we took the bull by the horns and exert the force that will take Africa from its place of inertia, and place it on the path of action and relevance.” -- ITU AFRICA 2001 Youth Forum Declaration

“Africa must get onboard… Right now! … Africa will be either on to the Information Age or off to the dark Agricultural Age … Africa is suffering from knowledge apartheid that forces its children to eat the crumbs from the dinner table of the information-affluent nations.” -- Philip Emeagwali (Emeagwali.com)


The average African Youth does not place too much premium on his continent, but this must come to an end if we must create an enviable tomorrow for the next generation, and possibly ourselves. He has been affected by wars, famine, diseases, and of course poverty. One way or another, now – and not later – we must raise Africa’s hope for accelerated development by employing the opportunities that ICTs offer. This, as has been described by many, may just be Africa’s last chance: the unique opportunity created by her youth and ICTs, bringing energy and synergy!


In The Beginning, It Was Not So

Africa was not always like this! We once led the world into innovative creations such as the enduring Pyramids of Egypt, and our sons – though on foreign soil – kept the spirit of creativity on. The world will never forget the inventors of the elevator, automatic gearshift, super charge system for internal combustion engines, traffic signals, the electric trolley and the street sweeper. They are all of African origin. Need we say much about what Africa’s sons and daughters still do in their new locations today? Why then is our garden filled with thorns while we help keep other gardens?


While Men Slept

If we call a conference to discuss where Africa went off the path, there may be countless suggestions – slavery, leadership, maintenance, and the list goes on. What is more important is that things went wrong somehow and we must get back on track. Poverty has almost become Africa’s middle name and children grow up praying for the things that should be readily available. While men slept, the garden grew thorns…


Poverty In The Midst Of Plenty

Africa is blessed with both natural and human resources. Mineral resources, population and cultural diversity are opportunities that we should maximize but the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty is real in Africa. What is our problem? Little wonder that our best are always attracted to the dangling carrots across the high seas… brain drain has become the norm rather than the exception.


Attitude And Altitude

It has been said that a man’s attitude will determine his altitude. We fly so low because our attitude is more-often-than-not not right. There is nothing we can do about the past and its attendant woes but what about tomorrow? Maybe we can even influence today! We can not keep blaming yesterday for our today because that will kill our tomorrow before it ever hopes to arise…


I Can See The Sun

All hope is not lost… things are looking up. Recent study by the International Telecommunications Union revealed that Africa’s ICT sector has grown significantly. The African Union has been born, NEPAD sounds great and the Economic Commission for Africa is not resting. Africans in the Diaspora are creating pro-Africa networks and young people are taking up the responsibility of carving a New Africa. I can see the sun about to rise, and darkness giving way for the dominating presence of light!


Quo Vadis?

If we must not repeat the trend of meetings-declarations-meetings, we must join forces in charting a path out of this state to our desired place. My challenge is to the youth of Africa. Young people must decide to ensure sustainable development because we are the bridge between today and tomorrow. Here then is what I suggest, in order that the youth of our continent will break this undesirable cycle of poverty – and weave the New Africa:

1. Create a network of all young people who are presently actively involved in initiatives that point to Africa’s development. This can be facilitated via physical contact, the Internet & the World Wide Web, and even old media (which covers over 60% of Africa)
2. Identify present youth efforts towards a New Africa in the areas of ICTs, Child Labour/Employment, Gender issues, Health, Environment, Education, etc
3. Identify common bottlenecks, from discussions
4. Identify strong points, from inputs, stories and discussions
5. Analyse problems and discuss possible solutions
6. Identify possible partners and supporting organizations – Global Youth Networks, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, African NGOs, African Union and related agencies, African governments, African
tertiary institutions and the African private sector
7. Map out an action plan based on points 3 to 5 and put the content together as presentable documents, standard presentations and/or a website. Target dates should be set, with individuals working in Specialized Committees that are most relevant to their action paths
8. Get full-time workers who are committed to the success of the Action Plan, as this will ensure commitment and seriousness. Representation should cut across the Western, Eastern, Northern, Central and Southern regions of Africa. This step (8) may be taken care of by an existing organization (if any) whose objectives match that of the Action Plan as this will save us from re-inventing the wheel.

The beauty of this 8-point suggestion is that it is built around a network of young people who are currently involved in the work they will be required to do. There are various youth-led initiatives presently but it looks like there is no central coordination, hence the round-thecircle feeling for the few that are involved in such projects.


Small Steps And Giant Strides

Since consistent tiny drops of water can produce a mighty ocean, I believe that the present efforts across the continent (and from the diaspora) – which many of us here represent – will eventually come together as an ocean and a flood. An ocean on which the new continent can sail, and a flood to wash out all the elements of retrogression in the present system!

Without the fear of praise singing, I must commend the efforts of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in building youth agenda into the ADF, and in diverting high-level attention to youth issues. The “African Youth and the Information Society” informal network and youth attention during the ADF are great signs of support for young people.

I believe that it is not a question of if Africa will enjoy accelerated development, it’s a question of when and who. Can we stand up for Africa? I will… will you?


Final Words

While looking forward to the implementation of recommendations by appropriate authorities, I believe the young people of Africa must rise to the challenge of weaving the New Africa, the Africa of our collective dreams: The Africa that is not only an active player in the global Information Society, but will also be innovative and remind everyone that the Pyramids of Egypt and other African wonders were not accidents – they are the products of deliberate efforts, and the proof of the strength in the African blood!

Permit me to wrap this up with my final challenge to the African youth:

“I have read, listened and seen the different attempts at bringing Africa to a place of Global relevance. It appears to me that the Intra-Digital Divide is getting even stronger than the Inter-Digital Divide. Or how do we explain the fact that we always see the same names on the Web, in Conference brochures, in news articles ... and in chat rooms! It appears that some of the Youth of Africa that should be tomorrow's leaders do not even know what to do! Some young Africans have never touched a computer! I think that my days, weeks and months of thinking have produced something; an idea I'm willing to share.

The few of us who have (one way or the other) been favoured to have access and knowledge should take it upon ourselves to climb the ladder whose rungs are Personal Development, Nation Building, Regional Cooperation and Global Participation. We should work hard at what we know best. Remember what Thomas Jefferson said, "I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have". Maybe while working hard, you may have more luck...

We should take it upon ourselves to work towards becoming ROLE MODELS to our colleagues and the younger ones. This way, every young African will be challenged to work harder than us, and that will promote a natural cycle of successful and socially responsible young people.

For example, I humbly spend almost all my weekends speaking to young people (some of them older than me) in various Universities in Nigeria, and the truth is that I've seen changes. I'm beginning to see more Nation Building conscious Nigerians, who care less about ME, but are more concerned about US.

I've said much...but people, we cannot keep talking and discussing and presenting papers, we need to get to work! Preach the gospel of ICT to that guy beside you, talk about Nation Building to those ladies in your class, Open your mouth and challenge every young person around you to build a life worthy of emulation. In doing so, we will discover that we've built a solid nation, and continent.

Build yourself, build those around you... and soon, you will discover that we have a strong network of knowledge-driven people. Make a decision to help someone understand ICTs better today ... Viva Africa!”

Introduction: Youth Employment in Africa

The proof of sustainability of any enterprise, people-group or structure is the young people the system can equip for the days ahead. If these youth are either unemployed today or unsure of employment when they complete their studies, there is the need to focus attention on the situation and offer creative and appropriate solutions.

Available statistics show that, because of substantial growth in the numbers of youth worldwide, more young people than ever before in history are about to enter the labor market. In the developing world there will be 700 million new entrants to the labor force between 2002 and 2010. According to the International Labor Organization, more than a billion jobs must be created to accommodate these new workers and reduce unemployment. Particularly in the developing world, where minimal economic growth is forecast, economies are unlikely to be able to absorb the available labor supply .

The complexity of the situation is enhanced by the fact that a significant percentage of youth population in Africa is either unemployed or underemployed. A 2002 report that puts unemployment in South Africa at 56% for youth and 23% for adults is an indicator of the strength of the menace across the continent. If there are opportunities to resolve the present situation – and I believe there are – then we must explore the possibility of engaging the processes thrown up by these opportunities.


eRevolution: Africa Responds to the Revolution

Africa missed out on earlier global opportunities but appears to be positioning itself for change in the new millennium. Attention has increased quite significantly across the continent with respect to the opportunities that Information and Communication Technologies offer for development and economic emancipation.

A few years ago, telephones were scare commodities in Africa, but not today. Nigeria achieved its first 10 million-lines mark in early 2005 and is planning another 10 million in less than 15 months. While some will argue that this is built on wireless technologies that should not replace terrestrial infrastructure, it is worthy of note that the telecommunications industry has reached an almost-mature stage in Africa – a position that makes the continent an attraction to global players.

Internet access – albeit through public access points – has become commonplace, offices are now incomplete without computers for staff and daily operations, and policy frameworks addressing Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are becoming popular. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, 35 African countries now have (at either beginning or ending stages) National Information and Communication Infrastructure (NICI) plans.

All these point to the response of the continent to what has been described as Africa’s Last Chance – the opportunity to use ICTs for accelerated development. Africa has just risen from its preparatory meeting (in Accra) towards the World Summit on the Information Society, where delegates agreed that Africa must take the opportunities that ICTs provide seriously, as they hold the potential of addressing some of Africa’s dire needs – including employment.


ICTs and Employment

New economic indices reveal that the major factors of production are knowledge and technology . The role of ICTs in increased employment opportunities cannot be ignored, as many nations across the world have been able to identify this and apply in their plan towards increased economic development.

India’s prominence in the software industry, the ongoing asianisation of hardware technology and the response of such nations as the United Arab Emirates to ICT opportunities – and the attendant results – tell the complete story of employment opportunities provided by ICTs. In Nigeria, and many other African countries, some young people have been able to change their employment status by erecting temporary offices (kiosks, umbrella units, etc) where they provide telecommunication services such as mobile phone calls, sales of recharge cards and repair of damaged handsets.

It appears that the fact that young people are more comfortable with technology offers promises with respect to youth employment issues in Africa.


Youth Maximising ICT Opportunities

As much as ICTs promise dynamic opportunities for youth in relation to employment, ICTs are simply tools and must be engaged in order to produce results. Mobile platforms, web technologies, internet services and other ICT delivery mechanisms are available for youth who are able to translate opportunities into livelihood ventures.
Fortunately, most of the employment opportunities provided by ICTs do not require huge start-up capitals – a mobile phone merchant can actually set up his umbrella business with less than $100. Even if he has less, he can afford to grow his start-up capital from almost nothing by retailing recharge cards for sub-dealers.

If these opportunities exists in ICTs, why then are we not seeing dynamic change across the continent in the area of engaging ICT opportunities for employment? The answer is quite simple: some have not seen the opportunity; others assume that ICTs have a steep learning curve; and some others are ignoring opportunities – or are not prepared to follow the path of ICT opportunities because of their assumption that the ICT pasture is not green enough.

While the campaign for ICT opportunities in employment need to increase in tempo, youth themselves must seek to identify this dynamic opening. For those who think ICTs present high entry barriers (steep learning curve), they fail to realise that ICTs offer a wide spectrum of choices ranging from those comfortable with newbie to those requiring advanced attention and understanding. It is the choice of each entrant to choose which width of the spectrum best meets his/her needs, and individual learning capacity. Reality is that some ICT opportunities require no high-level thought process beyond the simple ability to sum up your income and calculate your profit at the end of the day.


Conclusion: Best Practice Examples

Across the continent, there are countless young people making a difference in their lives and that of others through ICT opportunities. From the young Nigerian multimedia design guru in Lagos (Nigeria) to the software geek in Namibia, and the South African technopreneur who is about shocking the world with his innovation, Africa has some not-too-few examples of youth to draw inspiration from when addressing the issue of youth and (un)employment.

ICTs provide a veritable platform for employment opportunities, and youth are mostly comfortable with these ICTs. This reality presents us with the opportunity of addressing a need with an appropriate opportunity. It will not be as easy as matching pegs with holes, but is worth all the necessary effort considering the present situation and the grave consequences of ignoring the situation.

Africa’s response to employment opportunities provided by Information and Communication Technologies for its youth may define the final outcome of the present (un)employment situation across the continent.