A MAP OF YOUTH INITIATIVES TO COMBAT THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 IN AFRICA: The perspective of Africtivistes’ focal points

Africa is facing the COVID-19 pandemic, and young people have played their part in the response. That is why Oxfam and Africtivistes are seeking to highlight around 100 youth-led initiatives across the continent that are having a significant impact on managing the effects of the health crisis.

10 countries, 18 focal points and 100 initiatives to be selected: these are the key figures behind the youth initiative mapping project launched by Oxfam and Africtivistes. Africtivistes’ focal points play an important role in promoting the project in their respective countries. Some of them share their views on the project and describe initiatives that have impressed them.

Mauritania: Aliya Abbas, freelance journalist and mobile journalism trainer

“I am delighted that Mauritania is one of the 10 countries selected for the mapping of youth initiatives in Africa to tackle the impact of COVID-19. Two initiatives in my country particularly stood out to me. The first was launched by a young Mauritanian who set up a website to track the spread of COVID-19 across Mauritania. The second was run by an association called AFI, which trained women to make soap. By the end of the training, more than 5,000 bars of soap had been distributed in some of the country’s outlying neighbourhoods.”

Senegal: Mouhamed Ndoye

“Young people in my country have been very involved in the fight against COVID-19, particularly in raising awareness and communicating with the public. They have made a major contribution to combating misinformation and fake news. They have also taken part in social action, providing vulnerable families with health kits and food. From a technological perspective, young Senegalese people have created tools and devices to help fight COVID-19, including a hand sanitiser dispenser, mobile apps and websites sharing information about the disease.”

Benin: Awanabi Idrissou, journalist and blogger

“Benin has also played its part during this health crisis. The country’s activist youth made their mark during the COVID-19 pandemic with initiatives offering innovative solutions to tackle the disease. They also raised awareness and took part in solidarity efforts, such as distributing masks in markets and schools. One such initiative was called ‘One Citizen, One Mask’. I urge young people, wherever they are, to keep taking action.”

Niger: Tamimoudari Noma

“In my country, initiatives have focused on prevention and raising awareness, as well as adapting handwashing facilities to local circumstances. There have also been more advanced approaches, such as disinfection tunnels. The mapping project is a good initiative, and we hope it will expand to cover other activities.”

Nigeria: Muazu Alhaji Modu, founder and CEO of Spotlight for Transparency and Accountability Initiative

“While mapping youth initiatives addressing the effects of COVID-19, I discovered many inspiring, surprising and remarkable initiatives led by young people in Nigeria. One example is the Advocacy for Human Value Foundation, which uses mainstream media to raise public awareness and prepare people displaced in camps in Borno State for a possible COVID-19 outbreak. Another is We Can Africa, which trains rural communities to use hand sanitiser produced locally for local use in Kano State. There is also an initiative by Titus Yakubu Tukurah, who developed a database on sexual and gender-based violence during the COVID-19 lockdown. Spotlight for Transparency and Accountability and Intellectual Development also use social media and digital technology to combat fake news and misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic. These are just some of the many inspiring initiatives led by young people.”

Professor Mamadou Dramé, Head of Africtivistes’ Scientific Division

“The initial findings from the mapping of the 100 initiatives suggest that there are far more individual initiatives than collective ones. Each person is trying to contribute their experience and expertise to find solutions for the population. There has been a great deal of monitoring, information-sharing and awareness-raising. The research has also shown that young people have channelled their creativity into developing a range of technological tools to support healthcare workers and the wider public. Funding is another issue: young people often provide it themselves, with support also coming from some patrons. We have also seen synergies between young people and local, customary and, sometimes, political authorities. All these efforts are part of the fight against COVID-19. I urge everyone to stay connected and follow the project’s progress.”