Africa’s Greatest Asset Is Being Wasted — And It’s Not Oil or Gold

By Dr. Michael O. Omoruyi | iNewsAfrica Op-Ed Columnist

In the corridors of Western power, youth are seen as national treasures — nurtured, educated, and empowered to lead tomorrow’s world. From Silicon Valley to Stockholm, governments invest heavily in youth development, equipping them with the skills, platforms, and voice to shape the future.

But in Africa, the opposite seems true.

Despite having the world’s youngest population, African leaders continue to treat their youth not as partners in progress, but as threats to power. Instead of cultivating the brilliance of a generation filled with digital natives, creators, and problem-solvers, we are watching our continent squander its most valuable resource: its young people.

A Tale of Two Worlds

In the West, opportunities abound for the youth — not just in rhetoric but in real programs. They are funded to innovate, trusted to lead, and mentored to transform. The youth are taught to believe that their ideas can reshape the world.

In Africa, many young people face a very different reality. They are handed broken education systems, denied access to credit, excluded from governance, and too often, used as political pawns during election seasons. The message is loud and clear: “Wait your turn.” But their turn never seems to come.

The Cost of Neglect

This neglect is not without consequences. The brain drain intensifies, youth unemployment spikes, and disillusionment breeds instability. When dreams are denied at home, desperation takes root — fueling migration, unrest, and in some cases, radicalization.

We have young Africans building billion-dollar startups in Europe and North America, not because they don’t love Africa — but because Africa hasn’t loved them back.

It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way

Look at Rwanda’s investment in youth-led innovation hubs. Look at Kenya’s digital economy push. These are examples of what’s possible when policy aligns with demographics. Our young people don’t lack talent or tenacity — they lack trust and opportunity from those in power.

Africa doesn’t need more oil rigs or gold mines to prosper. It needs bold leadership that sees young minds as the real mineral wealth.

A Leadership Call

To African leaders:
Invest in quality education that matches the modern world.
Open access to funding for youth-led enterprises.
Create national youth councils with real influence.
And most importantly, step aside when necessary to make room for the next generation.

To ignore our youth is to mortgage Africa’s future. But to empower them is to unlock a renaissance of innovation, development, and dignity.

The West has shown us what’s possible. Now it’s our turn to act — not tomorrow, but today.

About the Author
Dr. Michael O. Omoruyi is a technologist, educator, and the author of “From Grit to Grace: A Memoir of Roots, Resilience, and Reinvention.” He currently serves as Director of Diaspora Affairs for the LPPMC and advocates for youth inclusion and African innovation.