His bet is on the young people who are the heartbeat for Africa's story knowing that the continent will benefit enormously if young Africans reach their full potential and make Africa a successful market.

Speaking to young Africans at the University of Cape Town campus, President Barack Obama added that there is an undeniably progressive energy on the African continent and opportunities for young Africans. In order to tap into these opportunities young Africans must take example from Nelson Mandela whose live has shown beyond doubt that "one man's courage can move the world".

Obama told young Africans that like the previous generations they must make choices. Because over 60 % of Africans are under 35 this means that Africa's youth are to determine the fate of the continent.

"You've got time and numbers on your side and you'll be making decisions long after politicians like me have left the scene. And I can promise you this: The world will be watching what decisions you make. The world will be watching what you do. Because one of the wonderful things that are happening is, where people used to only see suffering and conflict in Africa, suddenly, now they're seeing opportunity for resources, for investment, for partnership, for influence," he urged.

He confessed that he too just like most young people still at school did not always concentrate on his studies because there were lots of distractions, but the inspirational lives led by freedom icons such as Mandela has changed his live and outlook on life.

"I had never cared much for politics. I didn't think it mattered to me. I didn't think I could make a difference. And like many young people, I thought that cynicism, a certain ironic detachment was a sign of wisdom and sophistication," he laughed pointing out that he came to learn about what happened in South Africa when two young men from the African National Congress (ANC) came to his college to speak about SA's tribulations.

Young Africans should see the lives of Mandela, Mahatma Ghandi and icons of liberation struggles as a challenge to their generation because it is an indication that the voices of young Africans matter, their ideals, their willingness to act on these ideals in order to make a difference.

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