Shaping a new narrative for youth across the continent
AFRICA’S future lies with the youth. Home to over one billion people, 65% of whom are between the ages of 18 and 35.
According to The Youth Division of the AU Commission, there is no denying that young people should be part of any conversation about the future and well-being of Africa.
This fact has not escaped The Young Independents – our youth-centric information portal and platform for incisive discussions which pushes the boundaries to provide innovative and lasting solutions for contemporary challenges.
Launched in 2015 by the Independent Media Group, The Young Independents is in its fourth year of unbroken celebration of southern Africa, and greater Africa’s young innovators, virtuosos, influencers and trailblazers in their different industries.
Through their “gamechanger” approach to life, by turning challenges into opportunities, these young people continuously demonstrate that Africa is not just a place for safaris or humanitarian aid, but a continent of eight of the world’s fastest-growing economies. It is a springboard for limitless growth opportunities for global business, talent innovation and rising living standards.
The Young Independents digital platform invites young people from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, and the greater African continent to engage in conversations that seek out, put on the pedestal, celebrate and honour the gamechangers in their various communities.
Together we seek to celebrate these pacesetters whose innovative ideas, actions and talent continues to influence positive change, impact African societies and empower their peers across various sectors of the continent’s socio-economic and political strata.
Drawing from our youth-centric, incisive information packaging, The Young Independents website delivers content that educates, captivates and inspires change among young people to unleash their full potential and be the best they can be.
The Young Independents team captures exciting youthdriven initiatives across the continent.
The platform covers imminent socio-economic and political issues, presents solutions to lifestyle and career dilemmas, and updates the youth on the latest trends.
We are growing and expanding. Having celebrated our first “100 Inspiring and Aspiring Leaders” in 2016, confined to South Africa, under the theme: “African youth – a productive generation starts today!” we are reaching out to young people across Africa.
For 2018 we have extended our antennae throughout the continent and under the theme “It Takes One Hundred”, we will host an event to celebrate the contribution and achievement of young African innovators, inventors, entrepreneurs and game-changers who are passionate about Africa’s growth, sustainable development and potential.
On the May 18, President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the Thuma Mina (Send Me) campaign.
The campaign focuses on improving service delivery and getting community members involved in bettering their own lives.
A cause that African youth have been ready, willing and in our opinion very capable of championing.
With an endorsement and a dedicated platform through The Young Independents, the African youth can send themselves as agents of change to better their communities and the lives of all across the continent.
Our initiative is not just about awards. It is about standing in the gap and amplifying the voice of the future. The voice of young people.
By leveraging upon the various channels of the Independent Media Group – print, digital and social media – we continue to strengthen and define information solutions integration.
We invite you and your organisation to align your brand, youth initiatives and marketing collateral products, services and achievements to The Young Independents.
Together, we will help shape a new narrative and a vision for our youth across the African continent.