07/10/2023
BRICS: WHAT IS IN IT FOR THE AFRICAN YOUTH?
As the world gathers for the 15th BRICKS Summit hosted by South Africa from 22nd to 24th August 2023, the proposed launch of unified economic cooperation among member countries is top on agenda. Expectedly, the summit will lead to the announcement of strongest currency ever in the world.
Member countries already signed in for BRICS membership brings the total population under the alliance to over 3 billion people of the world with 30% of global GDP under the alliance. Interestingly, the BRICS nations have massive financial and trade surplus records and the currency shall be unified, not dominated by any member country but rather promotes fair and mutual trade among member nations.
As interesting as this appears, we must be concerned about its impacts on the youth, especially the African youth that largely live in countries hitherto dependent on aids to survive. The freedom promised by BRICS, however, must translate to freedom for the young people of African continent.
The theme of the summit is ‘BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism’, and we are of the opinion that Africa should take advantage of the host right and focus of the theme to negotiate greater deal from the partnerships.
In as much as we foresee opportunities beckoning at African continent, young people need to rise and meet the opportunities half-way, harnessing innovative ideas, dynamism and substantial energy to be at the center stage of critical issues.
I think we have a challenge placed before us, and as African youth, we must bring out our bests to secure our place in the emerging global opportunities and trend, knowing well that opportunities, change and time wait for no one.
Abiola Hamid
Chairperson, African Network of Youth Policy Experts (AFRINYPE)