THE CASE FOR AFRICAN AMBASSADORS.

Dear all,

African Ambassadors is a weblog that aims to synergise ideas, concepts, ideologies and experiences from young people from all over Africa into bringing collective economic, political, social and cultural forward propelling change into the continent. This is an idea that was stimulated by the continual internal conflicts afflicting African countries – especially after Kenya went through one of the worst political and tribal conflicts since its independence in 1963, as a result of the General Elections held on 27th December, 2007. The conflicts that have affected most countries in Africa, have had severe demographic impact on these regions and as such caused a resultant drop in some aspects of economic and social development in the regions.

If African countries and most especially African youth and young people wish to be at par with the First World countries in terms of development, then they should be ready to take advantage of the agents of change that the young people in First World countries are pursuing to drive change to their benefit. A more than perfect example would be the demographic advantage and pivotal role that young people in America used in the election campaigns that led to the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of America.

There are four levels that I believe will help tilt the status quo to the advantage of young people in Africa. Questioning, Reasoning, Sharing Experiences and Translating Passion to Action.

The need to question soberly and intelligently is widely amiss in a region filled with countries whose leaders are faced with corruption allegations, human rights atrocities against their citizenry, citizens plagued with hunger and diseases, most of which are controllable and general mismanagement of public coffers. If we can learn to question with purpose, and reason out amongst ourselves, because I believe young people in Africa are highly educated, to find answers and solutions that will work for us in the long term, then we will be on our way to opening our minds to the possibilities of infinite change. Coupled with these, we need to share experiences and evaluate our social and political environment and the behavioral determinants that affect them.

The vision of African Ambassadors is to change the notion that African news is always bad news. News of war, hunger, conflicts, diseases, coups, famines, poverty, corruption and economic downturns need to be replaced by news and information on entrepreneurship, innovation, environmental conservation, renewable energy, leadership in various industries. Africa is full of life and colour. Africa has promise and pride in its people and especially its youth. The blog will provide a forum for young people in Africa and the Diaspora to portray and relay information and news, articles and interviews from around the region in this same light.

African Ambassadors will shine a light on the true African heroes and heroines, mostly young people who always carry with them the African spirit wherever they go and make Africa shine amidst the gloom that bad politicking has cast upon it.

I have procrastinated on this for the longest time. Despite having mentioned this to several people who all affirmed that the idea was well timed, I didn’t feel ready enough. I want to use this blog to make a statement to many young people all over Africa. That we can run this continent! We can build this continent! We can unite! We can be friends and trade! We can take advantage of technology and our education and lead this continent to prosperity! We can change Africa for the better and stop the wars, famine, diseases, poverty!

Unlike what has been said to young Africans all over the continent, we are not the leaders of tomorrow. We are leading right now. Young people all over Africa have the entrepreneurial and leadership spirit running deep in their blood. They sweat and work hard. They carry the hope of their nations and they make it happen in Africa. These are the true African Ambassadors.

These young people deserve recognition for what they do. I felt that if these young entrepreneurs and leaders are made known, if expectations are shifted from the politicians to the people (wheels) who make the vehicle (Africa) move, this will birth a generation of difference in perspectives.

I aim to use this blog to create ripples that will in turn cause a generational wave of change in the attitudes of young African people.


Kind regards,
African Ambassadors.