The Role of African Youth in Crafting Locally-Relevant AI Policies
By Ahmed ElFaky
NGFP Africa member and Futurist activist/future Immersing games generator
Long-term governance in Africa increasingly depends on the vision and participation of young people. With over 70% of the continent’s population under the age of 30, the future of governance cannot be separated from the aspirations, skills, and creativity of youth. Their involvement in anticipatory and participatory governance—where policies are designed not only for today but also for decades ahead—is essential for building resilient societies that can adapt to rapid change.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool in shaping governance models. It offers opportunities for data-driven decision-making, early-warning systems for social and environmental risks, and inclusive platforms that allow citizens—particularly young Africans—to engage with governments more directly. AI-driven foresight tools can help policymakers simulate long-term outcomes, anticipate crises, and design policies that reflect both immediate needs and intergenerational equity.
For youth, AI presents a dual role: as a tool of empowerment and as a governance challenge. On one hand, AI can democratize access to policy spaces by providing digital platforms where young citizens co-create ideas, deliberate in real time, and hold leaders accountable. For example, AI-powered platforms could translate local languages instantly, enabling cross-border participation in pan-African governance debates. On the other hand, youth must also shape the ethical and political frameworks that govern AI itself. If left unchecked, AI risks reinforcing inequalities, spreading misinformation, and centralizing power.
Therefore, African youth need to be central actors in crafting AI policies that reflect local values, cultural diversity, and collective futures.
Within the African Union, pan-African policy-making offers a unique opportunity to embed AI governance in continental strategies. Initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area could integrate AI to improve trade governance, while youth-led innovation hubs can provide insights into how AI supports inclusive economic transformation. Building long-term governance requires connecting grassroots voices with continental institutions, ensuring that AI serves as a bridge, not a barrier.
Ultimately, the intersection of AI and youth participation is not only about technology—it is about reimagining governance for futures that are transparent, accountable, and adaptive. If empowered with the right skills, ethical frameworks, and institutional support, young Africans will not only influence governance but redefine it. By embracing AI responsibly, Africa can lead in building anticipatory governance that reflects its people’s resilience, creativity, and long-term aspirations.
I encourage researchers, practitioners, and youth leaders to engage with my work on AI futures in governance. Together, we can co-create ethical and participatory frameworks for Africa’s future. Connect with me on LinkedIn.