‘Without Investment, African Youth Bulge Could Become Liability’- Sahara Energy MD

By Akemini Udoh and Philip Oyekanmi

The Managing Director (MD) of Sahara Power Group (SPG), Kola Adesina, has called for more investment in Africa’s youths, adding that without such, its youth bulge could become a “liability.”

He noted this while speaking at the 7th Arthur Mbanefo Lecture organised on June 11, 2026, at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Centre, University of Lagos (AMDRC UNILAG).

The lecture themed “Illuminating Africa: From Rhetoric to Results — The Why, The How, The Who, and The When,” addressed that there would be a change in Africa, with millions of deliberate citizens, who are committed to building working systems through intention, structure and development.

Adesina said Africa’s core challenge is not based on lack of ideas or development plans, but the failure to convert intentions into measurable outcomes.

“Systems change when people demand better and then commit to being better,” he said.

“Africa will not be transformed by a handful of great leaders at the top.

“It will be transformed by millions of deliberate citizens at every level.”

He noted that trust remains the foundation of any functioning society, describing it as the “invisible infrastructure” that drives development, by strengthening relationships between citizens, institutions, and investors.

TRUST, YOUTH INVESTMENT, STRONG SYSTEM

According to him, the erosion of trust in public systems slows down progress and weakens economic and social stability.

Adesina also noted human capital development as a critical factor in Africa’s future, adding that the continent’s large youth population, over 60 percent under the age of 25, can only become an advantage if properly invested in through education, skills development, and employment opportunities.

Adesina, however, called for stronger, more functional systems in key sectors such as electricity, healthcare, transportation, and justice, noting that infrastructure alone is insufficient without effective institutions.

He emphasised the need for collaboration between governments, businesses, universities, and citizens, saying no single institution can drive Africa’s development in isolation.

Adesina also identified reliable electricity as a critical driver of industrial growth, warning that businesses cannot thrive under unstable and expensive energy conditions.

“Capital is inherently cowardly,” he said.

He also said that investors move toward environments with stable policies and predictable systems.

He urged African governments to maintain policy consistency, strengthen accountability, and honour agreements in order to attract long-term investment.

Adesina also challenged institutions across the continent to embrace innovation and technology, warning that outdated approaches will hinder Africa’s competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy.

The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola; Chairman of the occasion, Dr Segun Aina; Chairman of AMDRC, Mr Ernest Ebi; veteran journalist, Sam Amuka-Pemu; and other stakeholders from academia, government, business, and the media.