By Dennis Muritu

Empowering Africa’s Future: A Call for Greater Student Participation in the African Union

On February 17, 2025, the Lake Side Caucus of student leaders from universities across Kenya delivered a powerful joint statement in Nairobi, urging a stronger role for African students in shaping the continent’s future through the African Union (AU). This landmark statement, which celebrates both past achievements and looks ahead to the continent’s development, calls for greater youth engagement in the African Union’s work—an essential step in fostering a united, prosperous Africa.

The statement began with warm congratulations for Right Honorable Raila Odinga’s commendable bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship, acknowledging his lifelong commitment to the political, social, and economic transformation of Kenya and Africa at large. It also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, whose diplomatic efforts played a crucial role in raising Kenya’s stature within the African Union and showcasing Raila Odinga’s leadership potential. The student leaders emphasized that these efforts reflected Kenya’s commitment to Africa’s growth and unity.

While recognizing the diplomatic achievements that Kenya has made, the statement also highlighted a critical issue: the need to actively involve university students in the work of the AU. As future leaders of the continent, the students believe it is imperative that their generation plays a more significant role in shaping Africa’s destiny. Their proposal outlines tangible steps for increasing student engagement in AU programs and activities, strengthening Pan-Africanism, and empowering youth to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s development.

Proposals for Student Engagement in the African Union

The Lake Side Caucus put forth several key proposals aimed at increasing student participation in the AU’s work, starting with the creation of Student Shadowing Programs. These programs would allow university students to shadow AU officials, giving them firsthand exposure to the intricacies of continental governance. By learning directly from leaders and policymakers, students would gain the knowledge and experience needed to become effective leaders in the future, fostering a deeper commitment to Pan-African ideals.

Additionally, the student leaders proposed the establishment of Pan-African University Forums and Digital Repositories. These forums would create opportunities for intellectual exchange and collaboration among universities across the continent. By connecting institutions like the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, the University of Cape Town, the University of Cairo, and more, these forums would foster a united intellectual community that celebrates Africa’s diverse history and culture. Furthermore, creating digital repositories to document the lives and contributions of African leaders—such as the founders of the OAU, Nelson Mandela, and contemporary figures like Raila Odinga—would provide students with valuable resources to inspire their future work and connect them to the broader African narrative.

The proposal also includes the establishment of AU Centers for Democracy and Governance in universities across Africa. These centers would serve as hubs for research, dialogue, and advocacy on democratic governance, continuing the essential work that student movements have historically played in challenging authoritarian regimes and advocating for democratic reforms. These centers would honor Africa’s liberation heroes and provide a platform for students to engage in shaping the future of the continent’s governance structures.

Fostering Pan-Africanism through Student Leadership

The vision behind these proposals is to cultivate a new generation of African leaders who are deeply connected to the ideals of unity, democracy, and progress. As the student leaders of the Lake Side Caucus pointed out, African students should not only be beneficiaries of the AU’s policies but active participants in their creation and implementation. By involving students directly in AU initiatives, the continent can ensure that the leaders of tomorrow are well-equipped to face the challenges ahead and continue the work of unity and development that has long been at the heart of the African Union’s mission.

The student leaders also indicated their intention to seek an audience with key figures such as President William Ruto, Raila Odinga, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to discuss the proposals further and secure their support. By collaborating with national leadership, the student leaders hope to bring these ideas to the forefront of diplomatic discussions, paving the way for their inclusion in the African Union’s future agenda.

A Collective Effort for a Stronger Africa

The statement concluded with a rallying cry for all stakeholders—governments, institutions, and individuals—to support these initiatives. By empowering students to take a more active role in shaping Africa’s future, the African Union can build a more inclusive and dynamic path toward progress. The Lake Side Caucus of student leaders emphasized that Africa’s future lies in the hands of its youth, and it is essential for the AU to recognize and harness their potential.

These proposals, if adopted, will create a vibrant and engaged student body across Africa, ensuring that the voices of young people are not just heard but actively shape the decisions that define the continent’s future. With these steps, the African Union can continue to grow as a symbol of unity and strength, with students at the forefront of driving Africa toward a more democratic, prosperous, and united future.

Conclusion: A Future Built by Africa’s Youth

The Lake Side Caucus of student leaders has outlined a visionary path forward for student engagement with the African Union, one that empowers the youth to actively contribute to Africa’s development. Now, it is up to the African Union, national governments, and other stakeholders to embrace these proposals and ensure that Africa’s young leaders are equipped with the tools they need to lead the continent in the years to come.

As the student leaders have passionately stated, Africa’s future is in the hands of its youth. By creating the platforms and opportunities for young people to engage with the African Union, we can build a continent that is united, democratic, and truly reflective of the aspirations of its people.