HALIMA NANSUBUGA: The Future Belongs to Those Who Show Up: Africa’s Youth Must Refuse to Give Up

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda published an opinion piece by Halima Nansubuga, identified as working with the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC), arguing that young people across Africa and the Arab world should stay engaged, keep building skills and participate more actively in shaping their futures. The article says many young people face unemployment, limited finance, skills gaps, rejection and uncertainty, and uses Uganda’s youth unemployment rate for ages 15–24 as an example of the scale of the challenge.

The author’s central message is that setbacks should not be treated as final. She urges youth to keep applying after rejection, learn continuously, start small when resources are scarce, volunteer, and create opportunities where possible rather than waiting for ideal conditions. The piece also says governments, businesses, financial institutions, development partners and youth organizations still have a role in improving access to skills, capital, mentorship and markets.

Nansubuga ties this argument to AAYC’s broader youth agenda, which emphasizes Afro-Arab cooperation, entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and teamwork. She says young people should not only be beneficiaries of development programs but also active contributors in civic life, policy discussions and community development.

More broadly, the article frames youth participation as important to economic growth, social inclusion and peace. It presents collaboration across borders as a way for young entrepreneurs and professionals to exchange ideas and expand opportunities, while reminding readers that persistence and preparation can help turn delayed progress into long-term impact.