Africa’s greatest untapped resource is not its minerals or oil but its young people, and without reliable internet access, their creativity and potential will remain underutilized, a Canadian scholar has warned.
Professor Akbar Saeed, Associate Professor of Information Systems at Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada, says giving Africa’s youth access to affordable, high-speed internet is critical for them to learn, innovate, and compete with their peers across the globe.
“The most underutilized resource in Africa isn’t natural resources, but the potential of the youth,” he said, stressing that the internet could provide alternative pathways for millions who cannot afford formal education.
Prof. Saeed spoke during the second International Conference on Science, Technology, and Health Innovation for Sustainable Development (STHISD 2025) hosted by the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Sunyani.
Internet as the New Classroom
While formal education remains important, Prof. Saeed argued that self-learning powered by reliable internet could be a game-changer.
He pointed to vast free online resources from coding tutorials and design courses to entrepreneurship masterclasses that can help African youth build marketable skills and align with global standards.
“With affordable internet plans and strong digital infrastructure, young Africans can harness online knowledge to educate themselves in any field. This is how we unleash their creativity and prepare them for the future of work,” he explained.
Leveling the Playing Field
Experts believe that bridging Africa’s digital divide is now central to leveling the playing field for the continent’s young innovators. Without reliable internet, African youth risk being locked out of global opportunities in technology, creative industries, and digital entrepreneurship.
Prof. Saeed noted that access to digital platforms is no longer a luxury but a necessity, enabling young people to showcase talent, collaborate internationally, and monetize their ideas. “The internet is Africa’s bridge to global innovation, and the youth must be empowered to cross it,” he said.
Building a Resilient Future
Prof. Samuel Fosu Gyasi, Dean of the School of Sciences at UENR, added that science and technology should serve as the foundation for tackling Africa’s pressing challenges.
He called for stronger collaboration among academia, industry, government, and civil society to translate research and innovation into practical solutions.
He said empowering young people with digital tools would not only drive creativity but also strengthen resilience across key areas such as health, agriculture, and climate change.
Unlocking Africa’s Youth Dividend
Other experts argue that Africa’s competitiveness in the 21st century depends on how well it harnesses the energy and creativity of its youth. With over 60% of its population under 25, the continent risks missing out on a powerful demographic dividend if connectivity gaps persist.
