Author: Eric Biegon

Having peaceful protests is important because it is a fundamental right of citizens to express their opinions and grievances through peaceful assembly and protest. Peaceful protests also allow for dialogue and constructive engagement with government officials and other stakeholders to find solutions to the issues being raised.

On the other hand, when they turn violent, this usually leads to injuries, loss of property, and further exacerbate the issues at hand, making it harder to reach a resolution. In the past, youth have participated in protest to voice their concerns, demand change, and hold those in power accountable because of issues encompassing; demand for political change, social justice, raising awareness, solidarity and exercising freedom of speech among other things.

Africa has been experiencing political protests for decades, with various reasons behind them. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in political protests among African youth, with demands ranging from accountability, transparency, and good governance to better economic opportunities, quality education, and access to basic needs. Despite the diverse demands, one common factor among these protests is the use of peaceful advocacy.

Peaceful advocacy is a strategy that aims to bring about change through nonviolent means, such as peaceful demonstrations, civil disobedience, or boycotts. The use of peaceful advocacy has become an essential tool for African youth in demanding change from their governments and leaders. In Kenya, for example, youth-led political protests have been ongoing since the 2017 presidential election, with allegations of voter fraud and electoral malpractices. The protests have been peaceful, with youth using social media to mobilize and spread awareness about their demands.

Similarly, in Nigeria, the #EndSARS protests in 2020, which called for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), were largely led by young people. The protests, which lasted for weeks, were peaceful and resulted in the disbandment of SARS. South Africa has also witnessed political protests in recent years, with demands ranging from better access to basic needs to calls for the removal of former President Jacob Zuma. In Tunisia, the 2010-2011 protests, led by young people, resulted in the ousting of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, leading to the Arab Spring.

Despite the success of peaceful advocacy in achieving change, there are still challenges faced by African youth in their pursuit of peaceful protests. Governments often respond to peaceful protests with repression, using excessive force and arbitrary arrests to silence dissenting voices. In some cases, governments have even shut down internet access or social media platforms to prevent the spread of information and organization of protests. Additionally, there is a need for more inclusive and representative leadership in Africa. Young people often feel marginalized and excluded from decision-making processes, which can lead to feelings of frustration and disenfranchisement.

By empowering young people and giving them a seat at the table, governments can create more inclusive policies that address the needs and concerns of all citizens. To promote peaceful advocacy among African youth, there needs to be a focus on education and awareness-raising. Young people need to understand their rights and the importance of peaceful protest in bringing about change. This can be achieved through civic education programs and engagement with civil society organizations.

Peaceful advocacy among African youth is possible and has been demonstrated in numerous instances. By embracing peaceful advocacy, young people can bring about change and hold their governments accountable while avoiding violence and further exacerbation of issues. It is important for governments to listen to the demands of their youth and work towards creating inclusive policies that address the concerns of all citizens.

Mary Yvonne is Chief Operations Officer at Epuka Ugaidi organization

The 10th Devolution Conference in Kenya marked a significant milestone in the nation’s history, bringing together leaders and development stakeholders from all 47 counties.

As Kenya reflects on the profound changes brought about by devolution over the past decade, it becomes clear that the private sector has strategically participated in shaping this new landscape.

Collaborative Private Sector Engagement

Devolution has emerged as a propellant for Kenya towards elevated development across various dimensions. Local governments and communities, once marginalized within a centralized system, have experienced a surge in decision-making autonomy and access to resources. This empowerment has facilitated their engagement with the private sector, enabling collaborative efforts to address previously neglected needs and foster tailored development initiatives.

The distribution of resources at the county level has also been instrumental in rectifying historical disparities and directing investments into key sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. As decision-making is brought closer to the people, the private sector’s involvement has reinforced political accountability and transparency and allowed it to become an active partner in realizing community aspirations. This participatory approach has not only given a voice to the previously unheard, but also paved the way for gender-responsive mechanisms to be integrated into county development strategies.

The Devolved and Inclusive Blue Economy

One promising area highlighted during the Devolution Conference was the Blue Economy space. The sector encompasses a wide range of economic activities related to oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers. It also represents a dynamic sector that includes fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transportation, renewable energy, and more.

With its potential to generate jobs, boost local economies, and contribute to sustainable growth, it aligns closely with the objectives of both devolution and private sector engagement. Importantly, the Blue Economy also presents an avenue for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

As women’s participation in the formal economy continues to grow, the Blue Economy offers a unique platform for their engagement in roles ranging from fisherwomen and aquaculture workers to professionals in marine conservation and research. Moreover, the sector’s cross-cutting nature provides opportunities for women entrepreneurs to establish businesses in various sub-sectors, further contributing to economic diversification.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite Kenya’s advancements in devolution, the blue economy sector faces a myriad of challenges such as uncoordinated development, climate change impacts, depleting fish populations, and inadequate infrastructure. These issues, particularly in Kenya, have been exacerbated by fragile comprehensive policies and regulations governing marine resources, thus disproportionately affecting marginalized groups, including women and youth.

Recently, the Government of Kenya launched a blue economy strategic plan (2023-2027), and the plan included a structure to encourage the specialization required to support sustainable management and development of fisheries, aquaculture, and the blue economy in the country. The structure also took into consideration the devolved structure of government and acknowledged the role of County Governments in the blue economy sector.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have also remained pivotal in driving growth and sustainability within the blue economy. For example, initiatives such as the AECF’s Investing in Women in the Blue Economy Kenya (IIW BEK), supported by Global Affairs Canada and private sector stakeholders, exemplify how private sector engagement can facilitate financial access, inclusion, and profitability in the blue sector.

The private sector’s strength lies in its ability to finance and drive innovation, factors crucial for the sustainable management of the blue economy. Through research and development initiatives, companies can create advanced technologies that contribute to responsible resource management and reduced environmental impact. For instance, advancements in marine biotechnology can lead to the discovery of new pharmaceuticals and bioproducts, while innovations in aquaculture systems can address the growing demand for seafood without depleting natural fish stocks.

Moreover, the private sector’s involvement in conservation efforts is paramount. Sustainable management of marine resources and the preservation of marine ecosystems are essential components of a thriving blue economy. By combating illegal fishing, protecting coral reefs, and promoting responsible tourism, the private sector can actively contribute to the preservation of Kenya’s rich marine biodiversity.

Through collaboration with local communities, the private sector can promote capacity-building initiatives, knowledge transfer, and skill development. Supporting small-scale fishers and advocating for fair trade practices can empower marginalized communities, creating a more equitable distribution of benefits from the blue economy.

By addressing existing challenges, implementing comprehensive policies, and promoting inclusive partnerships, the country can position itself as a global leader in sustainable blue economy development. The journey ahead requires a united effort, with government and private sector leaders working hand in hand to propel Kenya’s blue economy toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

Victoria Sabula is the Chief Executive Officer, Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund

The world’s eye has been glued to South Africa this week, all thanks to the coming together of the world’s emerging economies. Johannesburg played host to BRICS Summit consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Worthy of note is that the latest edition appears to have attracted huge interest from countries outside the current membership. To be precise, more than 40 countries including at least six from Africa and a dozen more from Middle East and South America have asked to be allowed to be part of the bloc.

At the conclusion of the summit, the founder members announced they had agreed to expand the bloc and approved requests from Argentine Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to become full members of BRICS from 1st January 2024.

All these countries consider the alliance a better alternative. But why would countries all of a sudden start clamoring to join BRICS?  To respond to this question, one ought to establish its relevance in the contemporary global order.

One can only seek an alternative if the prevailing conditions have either failed or altogether fell short of the expectations. It remains unclear but there is a sense these nations have scouted and realized BRICS will serve them better. Others, have said, their voices have been suppressed for long whereas BRICS has been designed in a way that accommodates them and their views, particularly, through constant consultation.

Most significantly, these countries are successfully shifting focus from the Global North to the Global South in terms of engagements.  There is the issue of the US dollar being the dominant currency of the world. BRICS countries have loudly spoken about the need to establish an alternative payment system that allows seamless transactions between parties that trade with each other. On this, the goal is for countries to become less reliant on the dollar.

The genesis of this clamour can be traced to last couple of years when the value of US dollar appreciated significantly against most other currencies as the US Federal Reserve hiked interest rates. This had a negative effect in almost all countries that borrow, pay for imports, or food products, in dollars, for the reason that transactions cost have become more expensive. It has been argued that African countries bore the greatest brunt of this turn of events.

Holes have also been poked on the existing international financial system that is accused of charging developing countries heavy interest rates on loans. President William Ruto of Kenya decried that developed countries enjoy interest rates of as low as 0.5 percent as compared to more than 10 percent rates levied on developing countries.

“The high interest rates have made it impossible for developing countries to finance any meaningful development,” he said

This hue and cry resonates across the whole continent and it also appears to have captured the attention of BRICS countries that have gone ahead to unveil a financial institution, the New Development Bank (NDB), to serve as an alternative to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. NDB’s major goal is to push forward reform of the international financial and monetary systems, and increase the representation and voice of developing countries. The bank is also now providing funding for infrastructure and sustainable development projects. So far, the NDB has sanctioned almost $8 billion in renewable energy and infrastructure projects across the BRICS countries.

To accommodate members’ interests, BRICS fashioned a mechanism designed to support member countries facing payment difficulties. This is huge seen from the perspective of global economy that is smarting from disruptions caused by covid-19 pandemic. Besides pursuit of socioeconomic recovery, the bloc is eager to build resilient and self-sufficient supply chains.

The fact that China, the world’s second-largest economy is a member speaks volumes particularly given the strides the East Asian nation has made over the last few years.

During the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need to rally behind developing countries especially at a time the world economic recovery remains shaky, hence hampering their efforts to realize the Sustainable Development Goals.

He, just like on numerous occasions, reiterated that “development is an inalienable right of all countries, not a privilege reserved for a few,” underscoring his wish to see countries in the Global South also attain desired levels of development.

The Chinese leader said BRICS is a tool that will shape the international landscape, in such a way that whereas countries will choose their development paths independently, they will march in tandem toward advancing human society, and profoundly impact the development of the world, by creating an environment that is “more just and equitable,” in all respects.

Perhaps more significant is the fact that Xi envisions a bloc that only focuses on practical cooperation, particularly in such fields as digital economy, green development, and supply chain, and bolster economic, trade and financial exchanges.

Keen observers have discussed its growing influence. And, Economist Jim O’Neill, has suggested that the bloc would in the near future dominate the world economy.

Artificial intelligence is a new area of development, and promises huge dividends, and it is telling that the BRICS countries have announced plans to launch the AI Study Group soon. Its goal is to step up information exchanges and technological cooperation.

These nations have been promoting some of the world’s notable ambitious projects, reflecting their respective visions for sustainable development. They have individually, with the exception of South Africa, championed initiatives that have given the continent a foundation for growth. China’s Belt and Road Initiative, for instance, aims to establish extensive infrastructure networks connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Its impact is already being felt in Africa and beyond.  The demonstrated willingness and ability by BRICS countries to significantly contribute to global poverty reduction and end disparities is also a plus, and bodes well in efforts to defend the rights of the developing countries, or the Global South.

The bloc, therefore, presents another platform to share development opportunities and tackle pertinent issues facing humanity. And thanks to its founders, it is not an exclusive bloc.

Eric Biegon is a multimedia journalist at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.