海外发展研究所-新冠疫情期间青年主导的（数字）创新和恢复力：来自非洲大陆的经验（英）-2021.8-47页_2mb

Youth-led (Digital) Innovation and Resilience During Covid-19: Experiences from the African Continent

Core Content

This case study explores how young people across the African continent responded to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic through innovation, community action, and digital adaptation. It is based on a global interactive consultation conducted in May 2021, involving nearly 120 participants from at least 15 African countries, with over 500 comments submitted. The study highlights the role of youth in building resilience, both individually and collectively, and identifies key opportunities and challenges in supporting their future preparedness.

Main Findings

Individual Resilience

• Resilient youth were characterized by self-motivation, flexibility, and a strong orientation towards community needs.
• The pandemic provided an opportunity for youth to upskill and train others, particularly in digital technologies.
• Digital tools were essential for demonstrating adaptability and self-motivation during the crisis.

Community Resilience

• A strong social fabric and willingness to collaborate with local stakeholders were critical in supporting vulnerable groups during lockdowns.
• Community-based initiatives and partnerships were key to sustaining essential services like education and information dissemination.
• Post-pandemic, there is a need to focus on community-wide organization, skills, and infrastructure to build back stronger.

Business Resilience

• Many youth shifted to self-employment, which offered greater flexibility and autonomy compared to formal employment.
• Youth demonstrated innovation in adapting their businesses to new market conditions, product demands, and input availability.
• Building resilient businesses requires investment in digital networks, mobile phone access, and skills in the creative and critical use of technology.

Building Back for the Future

• Youth prioritized holistic support for sustainable entrepreneurship, including financial resources, digital technologies, and training in critical thinking and creativity.
• Digital innovation is expected to play a central role in future resilience for both youth and communities.
• There is a need to improve digital infrastructure accessibility, enhance digital skills, and ensure online safety and confidence for youth.

Key Recommendations

• Recognize Youth as Creative Leaders: Youth should be acknowledged and supported as key agents of change and innovation in crisis response, both digitally and locally.
• Collect Systematic Evidence: Research should focus on understanding how different groups of youth (e.g., rural/urban, gender, refugees, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities) can thrive and build back better.
• Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: Create platforms for youth from diverse regions to share experiences and ideas on resilience and innovation.
• Build Confidence and Skills: Invest in training that builds youth confidence and ability to innovate using digital tools.
• Invest in Digital Infrastructure: Expand access to digital infrastructure, devices, and platforms to ensure all youth can benefit from technological advancements, addressing structural inequalities.

Key Challenges

• Unequal Access to Digital Resources: Lower-income urban and rural communities faced significant barriers in accessing digital services, such as reliable internet and devices.
• Pre-existing Inequalities: The pandemic exacerbated existing disparities in education, employment, and social protection, particularly affecting women and marginalized groups.
• Impact on Livelihoods: Youth in informal sectors and those working in vulnerable conditions (e.g., refugees, IDPs) were disproportionately affected by job losses and income decline.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of recognizing youth as active participants in building resilience during and after the pandemic. It highlights the need for systemic support, including access to digital tools, financial resources, and inclusive policies, to enable young people to adapt and thrive in the face of future shocks.

Supporting Evidence

• Digital Tools: ICTs were central to sustaining public engagement, business operations, and community support.
• Community Networks: Strong community ties and reciprocity were key to sustaining resilience.
• Gender Disparities: Women faced greater economic and social challenges, including higher rates of job loss and increased risks of gender-based violence.
• Regional Variations: Rural areas were more affected by job losses, while urban areas showed quicker recovery, though still facing significant challenges.

Summary of Key Data

• Participation: Over 120 participants from 15+ countries contributed to the consultation.
• Demographics: The majority of participants were aged 20–36, with high representation from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda.
• Gender: Women represented a significant portion of the participants, highlighting their unique challenges and contributions.
• Digital Access: Over 70% of Africa's youth were offline, underscoring the need for improved digital infrastructure.

Conclusion

The pandemic exposed and amplified existing inequalities, but also highlighted the resilience and innovation of African youth. Their ability to adapt, lead, and innovate in the face of crisis demonstrates the potential for future resilience when supported with the right resources and opportunities.