The future of Africa rests in the hands of its youth—a generation brimming with potential, creativity, and resilience. With over 60% of Africa’s population under the age of 25, our continent stands at a critical point. The decisions we make today about how we support and nurture young talent will shape their future and the future of Africa as a whole.
At Flutterwave, we believe that the youth of today hold the key to unlocking Africa’s future potential. Their innovative spirit, coupled with the right opportunities, can drive unparalleled growth and transformation. This belief underpins everything we do. It’s why we’ve made it our priority to be a champion for young Africans, creating pathways for them to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Technology as a Catalyst
Africa’s digital economy is booming, with the tech sector predicted to add $180 billion to the continent’s GDP by 2025. Yet, despite this growth, many young Africans still face barriers—whether it’s limited access to technology, outdated educational systems, or a general lack of opportunity and mentorship. This is where we see the role of technology not just as a tool, but as a catalyst for change.
In June 2024, when we welcomed over 120 tech students from the University of Lagos and Covenant University to our offices, it was an opportunity for these students to see firsthand the possibilities that lie within the tech industry. We talked about coding & product design; we also shared stories of perseverance, innovation, and success. We wanted these students to see themselves not only as participants in the digital economy, but as leaders who can drive it forward.
Empowering Young Women
Women make up more than half of Africa’s population, yet their contributions are often underrepresented in the tech space. At Flutterwave, we’ve seen how critical it is to empower young women.
Take the example of International Women’s Day 2024. We opened our doors to high school girls in Nigeria and Kenya, introducing them to the world of fintech. While we showed and talked about what we did, we were also able to help them envision what they could achieve. And in sharing their career stories with the girls, Wavers were also sharing the possibilities of what these young women could accomplish in the future.
Beyond these events, we’ve also partnered with organizations like Femme Africa to support female entrepreneurs. In November 2023, we helped launch the “In Her Bag” accelerator program, which provided young businesswomen with the skills and resources they needed to succeed in industries like fashion, beauty, and retail. These initiatives are about more than just empowering individuals—they’re about changing the narrative around what women in Africa can achieve.
Building Partnerships for Greater Impact
The saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” This African proverb rings true in our approach to partnerships. We recognize that to truly make a difference, we need to collaborate with others who share our vision of an empowered, thriving Africa.
One of our most cherished partnerships has been with STEAM Fun Fest, an event that promotes science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics among young children. In 2023 and 2024, we immersed ourselves in the event, spending one-on-one time with the kids, sharing stories, and engaging in hands-on activities. For us, these moments were about planting seeds—seeds of curiosity, passion, and possibility.
Our collaboration with STEM Bridge, a girl-focused organization, further exemplifies our commitment. In August 2024, our Product Manager, Mfon Inyang, led a virtual workshop for young girls, demystifying the fintech industry and sharing her journey from student to expert. These partnerships have been about creating a network of support, ensuring that every young person has the tools and encouragement they need to succeed.
Investing in Young Talent
Beyond being the leaders of tomorrow, Africa’s youth are the innovators of today. At Flutterwave, we’ve made it a priority to invest in this talent, knowing that they will drive the continent’s growth in the years to come.
Our Graduate Trainee Program is one such investment. Launched in August 2022, this program was designed to give newly graduated youth hands-on experience in the tech industry. But more than that, it was about building a community—a community of young, ambitious individuals who are ready to take on the world. By September 2023, we hired nearly 85% of our 200 Graduate Trainees, a testament to the incredible potential we see in Africa’s youth.
It is our sole duty as Africans to support the advancement of the continent – and as we celebrate International Youth Day, I implore everyone to do something to support this demographic.
At Flutterwave, we are deeply committed to the future of Africa’s youth. We believe in their potential, and we are dedicated to providing the opportunities, support, and mentorship they need to succeed. As we continue to grow, our focus will remain on empowering the next generation—because we know that the future of Africa is bright, and it starts with them.