By Leah Wanjiru
Conversations about economic inclusion are increasingly getting attention among African countries, something many of us are yet to experienced.
The digital education and wellness symposium brought together experts, policy makers, innovators and youth leaders on mental health and education from different Africa countries to explore the intersection of technology, health and education.
The discussion was centred on how our country’s transformation agenda, particularly through policies like Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), was more than a set of compliance targets. It was about reshaping participation in the economy and actively investing in the growth of communities through skills development and enterprise support.
Even as we measure progress in numbers and scorecards, poverty is still a driver of poor mental health
“So often, mental health was framed in terms of trauma, anxiety, or depression, usually rooted in personal or social experiences. These are valid reasons; however, what about the stress that comes from simply trying to survive? From not having food on the table? From being unemployed for months or years? That chronic strain chipped away as dignity and hope became one of the most unspoken mental health burdens, especially in low-income communities,” a participant from the panel stated.
We’ve seen how these economic struggles play out silently. Many young men are expected to “be strong,” yet carry enormous emotional weight from joblessness, hunger, and hopelessness. The silence around their pain only deepens their sense of isolation.
If we truly want to support mental and physical well-being in Africa, we must go beyond therapy rooms and awareness campaigns. We must confront poverty as a mental health issue.
For instance, in the current South African context, digital innovation is emerging as a vital bridge between economic inclusion and mental wellness.
More and more, digital skills like coding, digital marketing, content creation, and e-commerce are creating lifelines for young people.
These aren’t just “tech trends.” They are real, tangible opportunities for earning, building, and gaining recognition. When someone begins to feel seen, valued, and economically active, even in a small way, the impact on their mental health is enormous.
One point from the panel that really stuck with me was: What if businesses embraced digital skills development not just to modernize, but to uplift mental health and restore dignity?
If we design economic interventions with mental wellness in mind, we don’t just change employment numbers, we change lives. We reduce stigma. We restore hope. And we build a generation that not just survives but thrives
African countries, including Kenya and South Africa, have a long way to go; the tools are in our hands: digital access, entrepreneurial training, inclusive policies, and community-centred investment.
At the end of the day, transformation isn’t just about systems or strategies, it’s about people. Every skill shared, every connection made, every opportunity offered has the potential to heal more than we realise.
Leah Wanjiru is a social impact strategist and advocate for ethical innovation, working at the intersection of digital transformation, mental health, and environmental justice.
