Africa: Source of Hope and Inspiration
Africa’s development is undeniable. The continent is on the fast-growing path and many African countries are expected to regain economic growth in 2021, according to the World Bank. The entrepreneurial private sector is flourishing despite current difficulties, not only in traditional economic activities but also in new industries including the technology sector. The conversation on the role of creativity and innovation to structurally change the African continent is gaining momentum. However, many structural, socioeconomic and political challenges are still obstructing the way to sustainability and economic growth. Youth unemployment rates are high as job opportunities are still missing, leaving younger generations with a bleak future. Still, grassroot organisations, activists, public figures, youth-led organisations and social enterprises are taking action to shape the future of the continent, to inspire and bring hope in their communities.
We asked two members of the African Crossroads network what and who they were inspired by, how they sustained hope in their everyday life and work, and most importantly how they themselves inspired others to pursue their dreams. Their answers were full of faith and resilience, hope and inspiration. They have faith in the future and what it holds because they are seeing a change. In fact, they are the change.
Empowering Youth and Changemakers
Abdallah Hussein Salim is a resident of Mombasa, Kenya. He is a self-taught graphic designer, a digital marketer for SMEs and a mentor for arts and tech community spaces Swahilipot hub and Tech Kids Africa. Abdallah has great hope regarding the youth of Africa. He is inspired by the creatives and youth from Mombasa, as well as his colleagues and the country’s leaders, who are working together towards the development of Africa. Even though Kenya’s youth and creatives are facing obstacles and challenges in terms of unemployment, lack of opportunities, difficulties of meeting basic needs, Abdallah remains full of hope and motivation to empower others and help them fulfil their dreams. With Swahilipot Hub, they manage to promote content creation from young creatives, giving them a platform and a voice to express themselves and grow. He is currently working on a project called Changemakers Network, a program that offers young social entrepreneurs training and mentorship in order to create more impact and change the world. Abdallah’s work is paving the way for a better, more sustainable and developed community for the generations to come.
Finding the Right Support
Emilia Epeti Miki is the Founder and CEO of the non-profit organisation Denis Miki Foundation and Efeti Ventures, a social enterprise that aims at advancing youth agricultural entrepreneurship and ICT innovation in Cameroon. For her, hope resides in the women of Africa. Her own life story is a balance between hardship and hope. Hope for a better future was all she had as a teenager. This has given her the strength to go forward and now inspire hundreds of women and girls to become more resilient and empowered. Emilia inspires younger generations of women by her story. For her, “every woman and girl can thrive with the right support and empowerment”. This is why she fights for social justice, gender equality, food security, and facilitates capacity building training, women and youth empowerment projects, community and rural development outreach programs.
Inspire and Be Inspired
Developing Africa’s creativity and innovation, as well as national and international opportunities for growth is at the heart of Abdallah’s and Emilia’s work. They are both inspired by important figures in their respective countries and beyond, like Oprah Winfrey or Mombasa County Governor Hon. Hassan Ali Joho, who came from marginalised and poor backgrounds and made it to the top. However, they also acknowledge that in order to make it to the top, you need the support from those around you. Alone, we don’t stand a chance. This is why Emilia and Abdallah are working to inspire people around them and provide the necessary support to fulfil dreams.
These are only two examples from inspiring figures within the African Crossroads network. Many more creative and innovative minds from all over Africa have joined African Crossroads to inspire hope in the ever-growing continent. At African Crossroads, we’re showcasing some of Africa’s most brilliant minds and people that are willing to make a change, and certainly will.
