On June 16th, 2025, the President of INAfrica, Mr. Felix H. Habibi, wrote a heartfelt letter addressed to the youth of Africa. This was not just an ordinary letter. It was a voice of truth, of pain but also of hope. It was a powerful call to awaken the youth, reminding them that while Africa faces serious challenges, the solution lies in the hands of its own children.
Africa is often viewed as a continent of crises. International organizations, global media, and foreign observers portray it as a place in need in need of aid, rescue, or supervision. But Habibi’s letter clarifies that Africa is not a land of pity. It is a continent with a deep history, rich knowledge, and untapped capacity for self-reliance. Yet, for generations, Africa has been spoken for by others.
Habibi points out that many of Africa’s problems are internal. Its youth are consistently ignored, sidelined from major decisions that shape their future. This has become a dangerous norm. Even when fresh ideas emerge from young people, they are often crushed by those in power. Silencing youth has suffocated progress and stifled innovation.
The letter also highlights how Africa continues to lose direction due to a narrow, self-centered mindset. Many leaders prioritize personal interests over those of the people. Wealth is pursued over national welfare. Leadership has become a means of enrichment rather than a responsibility to serve. This has fueled corruption, looting of public resources, and a failure to seize the continent’s development potential.
Africa’s suffering is not just about poverty or unemployment. It’s about a system that robs young people of opportunities. From a young age, many African children are conditioned to believe that success exists outside the continent in America, Europe, or elsewhere. Their dreams become focused on leaving, rather than building at home. This is the core of the crisis. The belief that one’s future lies abroad is undermining Africa from within.
This mindset has driven countless young Africans to risk their lives crossing seas and deserts, believing they will find a better life elsewhere. But when they arrive, they often encounter racism, unemployment, poverty, and modern-day slavery. This dangerous illusion stems from poor governance, irrelevant education systems, and a culture that undervalues youth-driven ideas.
Habibi emphasizes that it is time for Africa to reflect deeply and claim its second wave of true independence this time not from colonizers, but from mental slavery and dependency. It is not about begging for help or seeking validation from the West. It is about reclaiming our voice, standing on our own, and building a continent based on its own strengths, not foreign approval.
He reminds us that June 16th should not be reduced to a ceremonial day where children dress well for photo ops. It should not be a day of international conferences with no action. It must remain a day to honor the Soweto children who bravely stood against apartheid and paid with their lives. They said “No” to injustice. It is not a day for charity meals, but for lessons in courage and sacrifice.
Habibi urges that this day must regain its true meaning. We must not continue to treat it as a day of helplessness, but rather as a symbol of youth who altered Africa’s course. African children must be raised knowing they have the right to dignity, not as tokens for global sympathy.
In conclusion, Habibi affirms that no foreign power will save Africa. Not the IMF, not the UN, not Green Cards. Africa will be built by its own people especially by its youth who choose to stay, work, and fight for change. The youth of Africa are the last hope. They must be given a seat at the table of decision-making. They are the ones with the hunger and energy to transform Africa.
