Digital Bridge Africa Conference Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, NIGERIA. 25 June 2004 ‘Gbenga Sesan Project Manager, Lagos Digital Village | THE GREAT LEAP: African Youth and the Information Society

OVERVIEW A New Society Africa and the Information Society Youth as Stakeholders Youth Involvement Best Practices Youth in Active Service “ Young people are the most dynamic users of new Information and Communication Technologies, which are at the centre of the Information Society. From the young man in Ibadan who is paying to stay online all through the night in order to complete his final year thesis to the young lady in Monrovia who is putting final touches to her software project, Africa’s youth ( male and female ) are establishing the fact that they are major players in the Information Society.”

A New Society Human existence has gone through distinct phases – from pre-civilization through the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions and to the Information Age The Information Age is revealing a complex convergence that seeks to create a new society driven by information, communication and (emerging) technologies This new society, the Information Society, is driven by ICTs, and an evident shrinking of space and dissolution of physical boundaries The Information Society embraces a multi-stakeholder approach, bringing governments, media, businesses, civil society, academia and SIGs (e.g. youth) together. Disciplines are also congregating a complex array of efforts

Africa & the Information Society “Africa must get onboard… Right now! … Africa will be either on to the Information Age or off to the dark Agricultural Age … Africa is suffering from knowledge apartheid that forces its children to eat the crumbs from the dinner table of the information-affluent nations.” - Philip Emeagwali, There are numerous efforts towards Africa’s role in the Information Society – meetings (WSIS Africa May 2002, UNECA/APC November 2002, etc); projects (NICI process, etc) and networking drives (DBA June 2004, etc) Africa’s future in the Information Society is dependent on Africa’s ability to utilise her resources – obtaining what we want with what we have

Youth as Stakeholders Youthfulness promises strength, adventure and continuity. Excitement is a great tool in sustaining project momentum Young people form the bridge between today and tomorrow. Their status reveals the level of sustainability each process will enjoy Youths are leaders in ICT policy, processes and application globally. Young men and women are showing interest in the future of the Information Society and are taking action If young people are equipped and involved, tomorrow is assured and today is safe – “… an area boy /child soldier turned computer geek is less worry!” ICTs are powerful but need human resources. Young people form the major percentage of active world population

Youth Involvement Best Practices Working with young people on ICT4D initiatives demands the ability to get the job done without placing less emphasis on the people who get the job done. The vessel is as important as the fluid. The following are proven best practices: Positive Peer Pressure Recognition – in volunteerism or employment Balanced monitoring/freedom: No glass ceilings Defined venture goals, clear roles Constant information flow Provision for personal development Opportunity for tangible nation building Platform for global participation

Youth in Active Service There are numerous initiatives that reflect youth involvement and fortunately, majority of them reflect gender balance: World Summit on the Information Society Youth caucus, Youth participated in every WSIS event – from PrepCom 1 to the major summit. Nigerian youth 9and others) hosted national consultations – United Nations Economic Commission for Africa presently hosts a discussion on “African Youth and the Information Society” at The discussions involved sharing country-level information, collaboration and research on youth employment in relation to ICTs

Digital Bridge Africa Conference Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, NIGERIA. 25 June 2004 ‘Gbenga Sesan Project Manager, Lagos Digital Village | THE GREAT LEAP: African Youth and the Information Society Thank You