Africa has the youngest population on Earth. It has the highest youth unemployment. It has abundant natural resources. But it is the least developed continent.

The current circumstances hindering progress in Africa include poor leadership, corruption and gross ineptitude. It is a great paradox that the young continent is led by very old people.

In the job market, experience count as much as skills and qualifications. However, in the African context, the old leaders cling on to power without any visible benefits of their old age.

As is common knowledge, African leaders enjoy the trappings of high political office. The culture of good governance is anathema to most of them.

Most resort to autocracy and dictatorship so that they remain in power. This is at the expense of the people's aspirations and general well-being.

Most African youths desire to migrate to Europe, America or South Africa because they face a bleak future due to incompetent stewardship of their countries of birth.

If qualified youths take over leadership of key portfolios in government, change may occur. Youths need to be given a chance to implement programs and policies that will improve their lives.