In particular global economic trends that could have an impact on youth should therefore be taken into account when planning a youth network. They maintain that the shift from an industrial to an information-based society will result in the collapse of the Welfare State and of the capacity for big employers to supply regular jobs. Economic responsibility will be shifted to individuals who will become completely responsible for their own destinies. The individual will become more of an entrepreneur, a private contractor. More and more individuals will escape the shackles of politics.
Youth are the most ardent explorers of the wonder world of the Internet.
They therefore have a natural propensity to move into an information and networking economy. Even though the information revolution as such has not had a significant impact on Africa yet, the basis for at least some kind of revolution has been established. Governments in this region have largely failed youth, who are of necessity turning to the informal sector for basic succour. Internet connectivity is indeed the next magic step, the open sesame. Every young woman or man with access to the Internet has the unlimited powers of the information revolution at her or his fingertips.