Strengthening youth representation in political decision-making
Advance practical pathways for increasing youth participation in party structures, public institutions, and policy spaces.
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African Youth in Politics Forum (AYPF)
AYPF
Youth at the center of Africa’s political and economic transformations
The African Youth in Politics Forum (AYPF) is a flagship continental youth convening and training platform under the African Political Parties Initiative, organized by the Africa Governance Centre to strengthen youth participation and agency in political leadership and governance across Africa.
Launched in Accra in August 2025 in partnership with the Government of Ghana, the Forum marked the institutionalization of a continental space designed not merely for dialogue, but for political coordination, leadership development, and policy influence among young Africans.
Secure your spot at AYPF 2026
Participation is by invitation. Register your interest to receive official updates and access preparatory dialogues.
Register NowFrom symbolic inclusion to structured participation
The AYPF operates as a reform-oriented platform within Africa’s political ecosystem. It seeks to shift youth engagement from symbolic inclusion to structured political participation.
- Building youth leadership pipelines within political parties
- Advancing institutional reforms that lower barriers to political entry
- Promoting issue-based political engagement, particularly on economic transformation
- Strengthening cross-border collaboration among young political actors
- Embedding youth influence in party systems through policy and structural change
AYPF 2026
The next edition of the African Youth in Politics Forum (AYPF) will be convened in 2026 as part of the expanding architecture of the African Political Parties Initiative. This upcoming convening will deepen engagement on:
Objectives of AYPF 2026
- Institutionalise youth leadership as a transformative force in continental politics and economic governance, ensuring young people influence fiscal priorities, industrial policy,and reform processes at all levels.
- Reposition youth as co-architects of democratic renewal by strengthening their participation in political party leadership, electoral processes, and policymaking structures.
- Catalyze internal party reforms that promote intergenerational inclusion, transparency, and youth leadership pipelines within political institutions.
- Promote alignment with continental and global frameworks including the African Youth Charter, Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
AYPF 2026 Strategic Priorities
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Register Your Interest
Participation in the AYPF is by invitation. Interested applicants are encouraged to register their interest to
- Receive official invitations
- Access early updates on the Forum
- Engage with preparatory dialogues and programming