According to research, Africa is at tipping point. Whether it continues rising or falls back depends, above all else, on whether the continent creates the conditions in which its greatest resources - its young people - can shine.
Six out of 10 Africans are under 25. Between 2019 and 2050, the youth population will almost double from almost 230m to 452m.
Their potential is to drive Africa's progress goes far beyond numbers. As a group, they are more adventurous, more entrepreneurial and spend longer in school than past generations. They have set their sights higher, wanting to emulate counterparts in other continents rather than achieve goals set by their parents.
But this demographic divided is in danger of turning sour: consider the fact that the more time young people in Africa spend in education, the more likely they are to be unemployed. This draws attention to how the commodity cycle of recent years may have supercharged the gross domestic product of many Africa nations, but has created almost no jobs and greatly widened inequalities.
It highlights the worrying mismatch between the skills our young people are taught and those needed by the contemporary job market. This is a recipe for frustration and anger.
The same is true of the alarming disconnect between democratic politics and young people. Again, there has been real progress on the continent with 109 elections in the decade since 2006, lending to 44 changes of power.
But this is not translating into greater faith in democracy. Scepticism about elected representatives is growing. Africa citizens put their trust first in religious leaders, then the army and traditional leaders. Presidents come a distant fourth.
Democratic fatigue is must severe among the young, with their electoral turnout declining. An average age gap of 44 years between the people and their leaders fuels a belief that in power disregard young people' interests.
Every starving Africa nation is different but all need economic help - and to stop fighting.
This combination of a lack of economic opportunity and political disenfranchisement may because a toxic brew. Devoid of prospects and lacking any say over the direction of their countries and futures, young people become attracted to other alternatives.
The dramatic increase in terrorist attacks in Africa over the years and now, and the rising numbers of those abandoning their homes to risk the perilous crossing of the Mediterranean sea, shows where frustration, anger and despair can lead.
As well as fueling conflict and instability, terrorism can claim to be one of Africa's fastest growing business sectors, with increasing involvement in the drugs trade, human trafficking and status terrorism offers are as important to their appeal as extremist ideology.
These challenges underline the crucial importance of wise leadership and good governance for Africa's future. Without them, high hopes can quickly lead to deep frustrations. If the energy and ambition of Africa's youth are wasted.
Africa needs leadership that will harness the energy of youth, and create the conditions in which its rightful expectations can be met. For a start, governments and businesses must come together to ensure that schools and colleges across the continent are equipping young people with the skills they need to make their mark on the world.
Across Africa, we must put in place the policies and environment that allow our young people to thrive.
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