Benazir Hilali

The closing of safe spaces and Democracy has been the latest  trend across the continent and what we have seen so far is that people, activists and civil society leaders do not have the safe space of asking questions or engaging tyrannical government or regime as they will like to be called. We have seen that there will be no economic stability in a country which does not allow for institutions to run without the influence of the executive. We have also seen the clamp down on the internet, social media networks and the continuous jailing of activists who speak up in different African countries or who demand for transparency and accountability.  We understand that to build better citizenry, the need to continuously engage in civic education and inspire the office of the Citizen- which is the greatest office in the land- to hold the government to account and remind elected representatives that they hold the position in trust and not perpetuity.

This session will highlight the challenges across board, look at the solutions of the past and where they have failed and see how new thoughts can help scale through the cancer which is eating deep into the fabric of our Democracy.  

                                   This session is hosted by BudgIT Foundation

In October 2020, Nigerian youths staged a series of nationwide peaceful protests for 12 days –an affirmation of young citizens’ democratic and constitutional right to peaceful assembly as well as freedom of association. The protests had a snowball effect on the consciousness of citizens, especially young people, who become increasingly active in demanding quality services across other sectors.

The emergence of these active citizens, particularly Gen Zs, have important implications for reforms across all sectors. Citizens, leaders and most importantly, civic tech organisations need to pay attention to major trends shaping this call for a better governed country.

Gen Zs in Nigeria have been tagged the “SòròSókè” generation which simply means “SPEAK UP”. This group of young individuals born between 1997 and 2015 embody traits that are sure to shape our collective future in the coming decades. In 2021 they are 6 - 24 years old but in 2031 (next 10 years), they will be 16 - 34 years old. Most will then  be of voting age and own an incredible opportunity to shape the 2031 elections as awareness and engagement increases in 2023 and 2027.
What a potential turning point this would be for Nigeria if we set the agenda today!

An in depth look into the correlations and trends that are present within Gen Zs will reveal key insights civic tech organisations can leverage to grow in their endeavours and continue expanding their reach with the next generation of leaders, trailblazers and visionaries.

Through this session, we seek to explore the trends among Gen Zs that makes them a potentially indomitable force in birthing a new Nigeria and how Civic Tech organisations can harness this force in creating mechanisms that empower young people in their demand for good governance.

Key Take-Out

Attendees will leave the session with a broader perspective of how and what young people think about governance. And how Civic Tech organisations can tap into their strengths and traits to create solutions that empower, inspire and unite them in their demand for good governance and active engagement in civic duties.

                          This session is hosted by Enough is Enough Nigeria

Youth in Africa are isolated and underrepresented in governance across the continent. This is often the case in most parts of the world, but the ratio of under-representation of youth in Africa is alarmingly high. They are left out from key decision making processes. In many cases, the younger generation is more knowledgeable, equipped, and prepared to address the fast-moving issues of today than the establishment leadership.

With 60 percent of its 1.25 billion people under the age of 25 years old, Africa has the youngest population in the world. But this young majority is not being represented in government. This fundamental disconnect between policymakers and youth amplifies problems and causes African society in general to digress and feel dated.

The cries for change from Africa’s youth have mostly been ignored. Policymakers pay lip service to the issue, but rarely do anything to correct it. There is no awareness of youth inclusion in the electoral or administrative process. Sadly, this leaves us with old leadership and institutions that are unable to take any meaningful action to address the issues most relevant to young people. If instead governments focused on inclusion, the youth could have tremendous potential to positively effect change and economic growth.

This session focuses on; Senior leadership, the aspirations of the youth,  cultural invasion and, imperialist influence.

Youth are the most important human capital of any economy. Not only are they agile, adaptable, and receptive, but the modern youth also understand employment in the millennial age. They are tuned in to opportunities of the gig economy, constantly aware of and ready to seize upon the newest and latest trends.

                                  This session is hosted by Teennation