Young Africans Rise Up: Leading the Charge in Natural Resource and Environmental Governance

Introduction

Africa, a continent luxuriously endowed with natural resources, paradoxically struggles with widespread poverty and underdevelopment. This disconnect between resource wealth and economic prosperity was at the core of Mr. Chibeze Ezekiel’s presentation at the African Youth Conference on Natural Resources and Environmental  Governance (read more: https://syndghana.org/african-youth-conference/ ).

Mr. Chibeze Ezekiel, founder of the Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND) and a 2020 Goldman Environmental Prize laureate, challenged the young participants from across the continent to be the architects of change. Highlighting various African government charters and policies that emphasize youth participation, he underscored the critical role young people can play in ensuring sustainable and equitable management of the continent’s natural resources.

The Paradox of Plenty

The presentation unpacked Africa’s abundant resource picture, from vast reserves of minerals and oil to fertile lands and fresh water. Yet, statistics paint a grim reality. UNEP reports Africa loses a staggering $195 billion annually due to factors like illegal mining, unregulated fishing, and environmental degradation.

Prospects for Africa

Despite this disheartening reality, Mr. Chibeze emphasized prospects for a brighter future. He pointed to the potential of harnessing these resources to finance development and propel Africa towards prosperity. The key lies in ensuring “results-oriented, climate resilient, and sustainable” practices in resource exploitation.

Mr. Ezekiel lauded initiatives like Ghana’s Public Institution Accountability Committee, which tracks the utilization of revenue from oil and gas resources. He advocated for similar mechanisms across the continent to ensure transparency and accountability.

A Call to Action: Shifting the Narrative

But how can this transformation be achieved? Mr. Chibeze’s clarion call urged young Africans to shift from being bystanders to active participants. He emphasized the need to be “solution-oriented” and embrace the principles of “Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities” (CBDR-RC) in tackling climate change.

SYND: Leading by Example

The presentation showcased inspiring examples of youth-led solutions spearheaded by SYND. From the Young Green Entrepreneurs Forum that empowers young innovators to tackle climate change, to mangrove restoration projects and initiatives promoting youth participation in agricultural policymaking, SYND is paving the way for a more sustainable future.

A pivotal initiative is the Youth in Natural Resources and Environmental Governance Platform (Youth-NREG). Launched in 2019, this platform empowers young Africans across educational backgrounds to engage in crucial conversations around natural resource management and environmental governance.

Mr. Chibeze concluded by urging young people to embrace a “paradigm shift.” He challenged them to be a “new breed” of Africans, equipped with a “renewed mindset” and a resolute commitment to eradicating poverty and underdevelopment through responsible resource management.

Conclusion

The fight against climate change and the quest for a more equitable Africa demands the active participation of its youth. As Mr. Ezekiel aptly quoted Robert Swan, “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” The young people of Africa are rising to the challenge, and their leadership will be instrumental in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the continent.

By: Rashid Latif Bukari