Youth policy provides a strategic framework for countries to structure their youth development efforts. Drawing on the work of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), the policy brief examines the state and prospects of youth policy in Africa. It argues that while youth policies are becoming more common, there is a need for better design and more innovative implementation strategies. In particular, stronger partnerships with bodies outside government are crucial.
Recommendations:
- invest in systemic information collection and analysis to provide a solid evidentiary basis for youth policy
- recognise youth policy as a longterm, inclusive strategy. Capture by political interests is detrimental to its success
- set realistic objectives in policy, considering what is feasible in the context of often-weak state capacity – establishing priorities is critical
- improve the capacity of states to implement policy. This is likely to be a long-term process, so bringing in non-state actors as partners in implementing policy is critical
- emulate the successes achieved in bodies to represent the youth – such as youth councils – to ensure that they are given a voice and the opportunity to participate in governance and development