Symposium Presentation Title : The Youth Manifesto Towards Africa Democratization
Can you tell us about your research field and why you chose this particular area ?
Our research focuses on the role of youth in Africa's democratization, a topic chosen due to the significant proportion of young people on the continent and their potential to shape its future. Youth make up more than 70% of Africa's population, yet they encounter numerous challenges, including limited active participation in decision-making processes.
We assert that young people themselves are best positioned to devise solutions to their own challenges. Democratization fundamentally involves advocating for good governance, characterized by free, fair, and regular elections, accountability, the rule of law, and tolerance.
Given this context, it is essential to assess the youth manifesto, a key tool for articulating and prioritizing youth interests. This assessment will help ensure that young people's perspectives are effectively integrated into the broader framework of governance reforms.
What does the Young African Scholars Symposium mean to you, and why did you decide to apply? What are your expectations for this event?
The Symposium for young scholars holds significant importance for us. Created by young researchers, this forum offers a unique opportunity to discuss issues pertinent to the African continent. At the symposium, a wide range of topics will be explored, focusing on how young researchers can contribute to Africa's development. Participants from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, languages, socioeconomic statuses, and geographical areas will engage in debates and share opinions.
Our goal is to produce deliberations that ignite the research spirit among us, encouraging participants to address the challenges we face as Africans. Furthermore, we aim to learn from one another and create a supportive network that unleashes our potential as young people prepared to advocate for Africa's advancement.
What challenges do you face as a young scholar in Africa, both in your specific field and in general?
Being a young scholar in Africa presents many challenges, particularly in capacity building and material support. We constantly face obstacles in keeping pace with the rapid advancements in science and technology. These advancements introduce new tools for data collection, analysis, and presentation that researchers must master to remain effective.
Additionally, financial constraints often prevent access to essential resources, such as purchasing fundamental texts or accessing reputable online publications. Similarly, the costs associated with travel for fieldwork, especially in studies like democratization, can be prohibitive. Such research often requires collecting primary data directly from participants or observing democratic processes like elections firsthand. Without adequate funding, conducting this vital fieldwork is often unfeasible.
How do you think the Young African Scholars Symposium can help address some of these challenges? What solutions or opportunities do you think it could provide for Young Researchers like you?
The symposium is expected to offer valuable networks and networking strategies among other benefits. As a forum that will bring together researchers endowed with diverse skills and competencies, it represents a significant asset that will be advantageous for many of us facing these challenges. The forum will also open opportunities for conferences and additional academic training, empowering us to support one another and address the challenges we face. This collaborative environment is essential for fostering professional growth and enhancing our collective capabilities in research and development.
What are your future prospects in your research field?
Our prospects are multifaceted, with a primary goal of becoming leading researchers in democratization in Tanzania and across Africa. We aim to collaborate with scholars in Africa and beyond, exploring how youth can play a more active role in democratization and, subsequently, in the development of the continent. Sharing our expertise is also among our key ambitions.
We are eager to engage more in research, consultancy, and outreach activities that bolster youth participation in democratization processes. We anticipate that our publications will provide both theoretical insights and practical contributions, offering solutions to challenges associated with the role of youth in democratization. This work is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and dynamic political landscape in Africa.
Can you give us an overview of your presentation during the Symposium and explain why attendees should come to listen to you ? What do you hope to convey or share with them ?
Our presentation will focus on assessing the youth manifestos related to democratization in Africa. We will explore the contents of youth manifestos from Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa, particularly concerning the needs of the youth. These manifestos are crucial instruments that aggregate and articulate the needs of young people and will be examined for their relevance and adequacy.
As young Africans themselves, attendees will learn about this vital tool that can be used to advance their agendas to decision-making tables. This instrument is pivotal for engaging and mobilizing many youths, ensuring their critical issues perspectives are incorporated into policy-making processes.
Furthermore, attendees will have the opportunity to share their views on how to enhance the effectiveness of these manifestos, fostering a more inclusive and impactful approach to democratization in Africa. This discussion will not only inform but also empower participants to actively contribute to shaping the political landscape.