Natalie Sonia Makundane, 25, acting executive chairperson of the African Youth Commission has said that she did not blame the African youth who are embarking on the illegal migration to Europe widely known as “Backway” because they are disappointed by the system in Africa.
“Many African youth have graduated from Universities with degrees, they were expecting to have good job but at the end they don’t have that due to nepotism. Therefore, why wouldn’t they travel to Europe to look for better opportunities she told The Voice in an exclusive interview recently.
She added: “However, this is not correct because when all the young people travel to Europe then who will contribute in the development of the continent and if we all run away who will fight for the young people to ensure their voice is heard.”
Makundane, a Ugandan national urged the African young people to stay in the continent, unite and work hard for the advancement of Africa so as to benefit the future generation.
“Before, we go to Europe why not we stay here to make Africa a better place, we can be perfectly happy in Africa. We are living in the best and most gifted continent on earth because we hardly encounter natural devastation such as earthquake and other disaster phenomenon; therefore, why can’t we stay to attain the sustainable development goals,” she suggested.
The international youth activist called on African tycoons to speed-up in empowering the African youth through enormous investment in the continent so as to lift the employment rate, while urging them to emulate Alico Dancote, Nigerian tycoon who has fellowship that trains young people on entrepreneurship skills.
“The African tycoons should do more of that because if they are the only people with that knowledge; then if they don’t empower the youth who will help them on their works in future,” lawyer Makundane concluded.
Author: Sulayman Waan
