Empowering Africa’s Future: A Call for Student Participation in the African Union

In a historic moment that echoed across the continent, the Lake Side Caucus of student leaders from universities across Kenya delivered a significant joint press statement on February 17, 2025, calling for a greater role of young people in shaping Africa’s future through the African Union (AU). The statement was delivered in Nairobi, a city that has long been a beacon of African leadership and diplomacy, and marks a pivotal moment for African students and their involvement in continental governance.

The statement, which was filled with both praise and optimism, began by acknowledging the efforts of Right Honorable Raila Odinga in his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship. His consistent drive for social, political, and economic transformation within Kenya and across Africa has earned him the respect of generations, and his leadership was lauded by the student leaders as a source of inspiration. The student leaders also recognized the unwavering support of President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, whose diplomatic efforts helped raise Kenya’s profile on the African continent, and assisted in showcasing Raila Odinga’s leadership potential on the world stage.

The joint statement moved beyond celebrating past achievements to lay the groundwork for the future. At the heart of their message was a call for the African Union to engage directly with the continent’s youth—specifically university students—by creating formal mechanisms for their participation in AU activities. The Lake Side Caucus recognizes that students are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the active contributors to the realization of the African Union’s agenda of unity, peace, and prosperity today.

The Lake Side Caucus outlined several key initiatives aimed at strengthening student involvement in Africa’s governance, starting with the creation of Student Shadowing Programs within the AU. The proposed programs would allow university students from across the continent to shadow AU officials, gaining invaluable experience and a deeper understanding of the intricacies of continental governance. This initiative would also expose students to Pan-Africanism at its core, equipping them with the knowledge and inspiration to contribute to Africa’s progress in the future.

Additionally, the student leaders proposed the establishment of Pan-African University Forums and Digital Repositories. These forums would serve as platforms for intellectual exchange, fostering dialogue between African universities. They would also preserve the continent’s rich history and cultural heritage. Digital repositories would document the contributions of African heroes such as Nelson Mandela, Jomo Kenyatta, and contemporary leaders like Raila Odinga, providing students with access to resources that can inspire their future actions.

Perhaps most ambitious was the call for the establishment of AU Centers for Democracy and Governance within universities across the continent. These centers would serve as living memorials to those who fought for Africa’s liberation, both from colonial powers and authoritarian regimes. They would promote dialogue on democratic governance, continuing the crucial work that African student movements have historically played in shaping democratic reforms and inclusive governance across the continent.

As the student leaders of the Lake Side Caucus emphasized, the future of Africa depends on the active participation of its youth. By providing students with opportunities to engage directly with the AU’s work, the continent can ensure that the next generation of leaders is equipped to face the complex challenges of tomorrow. The creation of these programs and centers will foster a culture of leadership rooted in unity and progress.

The student leaders also signaled their intent to seek an audience with key figures such as President William Ruto, Raila Odinga, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Their goal is to garner support for the proposed reforms and elevate them within diplomatic channels, ensuring that they are implemented in the corridors of African Union power.

The press statement ended with a call to all stakeholders—governments, institutions, and individuals—to support these transformative initiatives. By empowering students and elevating their role in continental governance, the African Union can cultivate a new generation of Pan-African leaders who are equipped to tackle the continent’s challenges.

The words of the student leaders resonate strongly with the ideals of Pan-Africanism: unity, peace, and prosperity for all Africans. As the continent continues to grow and evolve, the involvement of young people in decision-making processes will be crucial to ensuring that Africa reaches its full potential.

As the Lake Side Caucus of student leaders has boldly asserted, the future of Africa belongs to its youth. Now is the time to invest in them, empower them, and provide the tools they need to lead the charge toward a unified and prosperous continent.

The African Union and its member states must now rise to the occasion. The proposed initiatives by the student leaders of the Lake Side Caucus offer a powerful roadmap for ensuring that Africa’s youth are no longer on the periphery of continental governance but are front and center in shaping the future of the continent. As Africa stands at a crossroads, the collaboration between its leadership and student movements will be pivotal in charting a course towards greater unity, democracy, and progress.

By embracing these proposals, we can ensure that Africa remains on a path of growth and transformation, driven by the voices and leadership of its young people. The future of Africa is in their hands.