A significant call to action emerged out of the ninth African Population Conference (APC) hosted in Lilongwe, Malawi: tell African stories from African perspectives. This includes making space for all Africans, regardless of age or gender, to express their needs and ideas when it comes to health freely.

At the conference, FPNN Community Reporter Esenam Amuzu spoke with Population Reference Bureau (PRB) Africa Director Aïssata Fall, who emphasized the necessity of involving young people in decision-making processes across the continent.

"More than 60% of Africa's population is under 25," she noted. "These young individuals are the future voters and decision-makers, and the decisions made today will shape Africa's future."

In addition, Fall talked about the need for intergenerational dialogue and mentorship, suggesting that older generations should collaborate with younger ones to leverage their innovative ideas.

She pointed out that young people, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, have developed new digital tools and communication methods that older generations might not fully understand but can learn from. “[Young people] should be seen as not merely as beneficiaries but as future colleagues,” she said.

As research on the African continent continues to evolve, the collaboration between different generations and genders is crucial for creating a more inclusive and dynamic future.

Timestamps of Key Moments:

• 0:49 - QUESTION: How do you think we can bridge the age gap in research on the African continent?

• 3:41: QUESTION: Do you think that intergenerational dialogue and mentorship could be a game changer in international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs)?

Watch the full conversation between Esenam and Aïssata below!