51吃瓜

The Africa 80 — Transformation through Collaboration

by 80 young African leaders?

Success Climate Publishers, Harare, Zimbabwe; 2016, 267pp $20.00

There was something striking about the 25th World Economic Forum on Africa held in Cape Town, South Africa, in June. Alongside the African heads of state and government and other world leaders who regularly attend this prestigious event, sat some 80 young African men and women.

The forum set out to capture the essence of youth and innovation on the continent.?

Referred to as “fellow global shapers,” these young entrepreneurs from over 30 African countries were chosen to collaborate on a book, “The Africa 80—Transformation through Collaboration”, illustrating the innovative ways in which youth in Africa could make a difference in developing and contributing to society.?

Fittingly, Africa’s youngest billionaire, Ugandan Ashish Thakkar of business conglomerate Mara Group, was picked to write the book’s foreword. ?

Sharing their vision for the continent, the young co-authors present anecdotes and share experiences on how their individual goals have come to fruition.?

Edited into short chapters sorted alphabetically by each author’s last name, the book is a straightforward read.? Some chapters are presented in French, to mirror Africa’s diverse makeup. ?

Says co-author Michael Waiyaki Nganga: “The youth of Africa must rise up and realise that Africa will change only if they do change themselves. We must think and act responsibly for the sake of future generations.”? ?

Further reason for this book—perhaps it will serve as a catalyst in taking on that quest.?

— Pavithra Rao