What is Africa’s greatest export? Minerals? Oil? Perhaps platinum? In fact, it’s none of these. Africa’s most valuable export is its people—the talented minds who leave in search of opportunity.
Every year, countless potential and qualified doctors, engineers, computer scientists, and artists are compelled to work in low-skill jobs abroad to improve their living conditions.
With Africa’s youth population projected to be one of the largest in the world, this reality takes on even greater significance.
The situation is both straightforward and profound: while talent is universally distributed, opportunity is not.
Take the story of Meghan, for example. At just 16, she found herself as the primary breadwinner for her family after her father suffered a debilitating construction injury.
On the day she considered desperate measures to make ends meet, she discovered the Elevate computer training program.
Within six months, Meghan had not only acquired valuable web design skills but also secured a job that allowed her to support her family and even start a small poultry business.
Then there’s Jacob, whose story…
Across Africa, in slums, villages, and urban streets, thousands of young minds like Meghan and Jacob are eager to innovate, create, and contribute.
However, amid political challenges, economic instability, and limited resources, their potential remains underutilized. So, what can we do?
Addressing the Brain Drain
Africa is facing a significant talent exodus. According to the African Development Bank, over 30 million Africans live outside the continent, representing a vast loss of skills and innovation.
As the youth population grows, we have a choice: cultivate an environment where this talent can thrive at home, or watch it drift away, with lasting social and economic consequences.
Imagine if Africa could harness this vibrant energy and creativity instead of allowing it to dissipate worldwide.
Would the continent’s systems and societies look the same?
Mining for Brilliance
Just as gold mines hide precious metals beneath layers of earth, Africa’s underserved communities, which may appear to be marred by hardship, are filled with untapped potential.
At era92, we work in some of the most challenging environments not because it’s easy, but because it’s essential.
Poverty, violence, and political instability do not obscure the brilliance of the young people we encounter—they magnify it. These young individuals are eager to learn, to build, and to create lives that are fulfilling and stable.
All they need are the tools, education, and opportunities to unlock their potential.
And day after day, we discover “gold,” not only in the number of participants who complete our programs but also in those who secure jobs and transform their futures.
Unlocking Potential: A Path Forward
Our approach to building opportunity in Africa is rooted in three fundamental strategies:
- Building a Solid Foundation for Education
Education must be reimagined to focus not only on traditional academics but also on digital literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and vocational training. Programs like era92’s Elevate initiative equip young people with the technical and creative skills that allow them to compete, regardless of their background. - Creating Opportunities at Home
Supporting local businesses and startups, especially in sectors such as technology and renewable energy, is essential for sustainable job creation. This helps build a robust ecosystem where Africa’s talent can flourish locally rather than seeking opportunities abroad. - Recognizing Africa’s True Potential
Collaborating with global partners who see Africa as a land of opportunity, not merely as a destination for aid, is crucial. Strategic partnerships can provide funding, mentorship, and infrastructure that empower young Africans to compete on the world stage.
A Future Within Reach
Africa can become a place where young people no longer feel compelled to leave—a place where they can grow, contribute, and lead.
By investing in the next generation, we are not only transforming Africa but also enriching the world with new ideas, solutions, and perspectives.
Africa’s young people are not liabilities; they are assets, representing the continent’s most valuable resource.
What are you doing to help bring Africa’s true wealth home?
The time to act is now. Join us in unearthing the talents of Africa’s youth—not in the traditional mines but along the paths where young people are ready and willing to learn and lead.
Together, we can turn Africa’s potential into its reality.
