Youth Entrepreneurship Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Prospects in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract:
     The African continent is experiencing an entrepreneurial boom, driven by a young and growing population, increasing access to technology, and a spirit of innovation. Entrepreneurial activity has become a major driver of economic development and job creation, particularly for youth, women, and those in marginalized areas.
        The current entrepreneurial landscape on the continent is largely shaped by a particular African capitalism that takes into account the continent's character, following waves of Eastern and Western economic orientation. This entrepreneurial identity has shaped successful models that have compelled various economic thought to support, acknowledge, and recognize this identity. Local governments, international organizations, civil society, international corporations, and other entities have established partnerships to provide this support. Entrepreneurship in Africa has become one of the most important means and strategies for achieving sustainable development.
        Young Africans have turned their entrepreneurial activities toward virgin, environmentally friendly sectors. Their projects have also sought to bridge the digital divide. Necessity has been the master of invention, and they have occupied leading positions in entrepreneurship across the world's continents.
         Despite the challenges facing young people when starting their entrepreneurial projects, such as a lack of funding, bureaucracy, weak infrastructure, a lack of talent and the need for training, difficulty accessing markets, and the centralization of commercial and administrative activities, a promising future emerges, brimming with opportunities that chart the path for a prosperous continent. This is especially true if these obstacles are overcome, available opportunities are leveraged, and thinking beyond borders is pursued, especially after the launch of the Continental Free Trade Area. This is also a step toward leveraging the digital age and investing in emerging sectors, such as financial, health, and agricultural technology, renewable energy, e-commerce, and other emerging sectors.
          This can only be achieved by developing a strategy for entrepreneurship development through the combined efforts of stakeholders—governments, local communities, international partners, and the private sector—to facilitate business startups and provide training, expertise, technology, and financing to maximize the benefits of youth entrepreneurship. This will ultimately translate into income and self-fulfillment for youth, poverty alleviation in deprived areas, savings for the state treasury, and investment opportunities for the local and international private sector.