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The Young Africa Change Agents Forum (YACAF), an initiative of the Africa Future Leaders Institute of Global Affairs, has announced the 2026 edition of its flagship virtual forum, NEXTGEN AFRICA TALK, scheduled for 27th February 2026 at 11:00 AM GMT (1:00 PM SAT / 2:00 PM EAT).
The event will be anchored from AFLIGA’s studios, also known as the Vision 2050 Hub, in Accra, Ghana, and will convene youth leaders, policymakers, development experts, and private-sector stakeholders from across Africa’s 55 member states.
Theme: “Tomorrow’s Leaders: Today’s Conversations”
The 2026 edition will focus on equipping young African leaders with the insights, policy awareness, and collaborative tools needed to navigate the emerging “New World Order”, characterised by a shift toward a multipolar and increasingly decentralised global governance system.
Discussions will examine the implications of these global shifts on youth development policies, governance frameworks, and Africa’s positioning within the Global South.
NEXTGEN AFRICA TALK forms part of the Africa Shapers Initiative (ASI), a strategic platform under AFLIGA, designed to promote forward-looking dialogue, collaboration, ideation, and benchmarking among National Youth Federations, Associations, Authorities, youth-focused NGOs, and private-sector think tanks across the continent.
Objectives of the Forum
The 2026 forum seeks to:
*Generate cutting-edge ideas on youth leadership development within global contexts.
*Facilitate dialogue between policymakers, thought leaders, and continental youth leaders.
*Translate knowledge into actionable strategies for policy formulation and impact.
*Promote intergenerational engagement on youth leadership, governance, and civic participation.
*Provide a platform for benchmarking and the exchange of ideas among Heads of National Councils, promoting the sharing of best practices across member states.
Through YACAF, AFLIGA continues to cultivate a dynamic network of emerging African leaders equipped with leadership, governance, advocacy, and diplomatic skills to drive transformation at community, national, and continental levels.
High-Level Participation
The forum will feature heads of National Youth Councils, Authorities, and Federations from across Africa’s regional blocs; CEOs of private-sector youth-focused NGOs and think tanks; the Secretary-General of the Pan-African Youth Forum; and Diplomats and representatives from the African Union Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Guests of Honour and Keynote Speakers
Professor Pikay Richardson (UK) has been invited to serve as Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker. A distinguished scholar and global policy thought leader, Professor Richardson is expected to deliver a 15-minute keynote address examining youth leadership within the context of the evolving New World Order.
His presentation will highlight strategic leadership positioning, institutional reform, and Africa’s engagement within emerging global governance systems.
Also confirmed as Guest of Honour is H. E. Dr. Ayodele Odusola, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Harare, Zimbabwe.
Dr Odusola will provide high-level reflections on youth development policy, multilateral cooperation, and Africa’s strategic role within the Global South. His address will emphasise how young leaders can influence sustainable development pathways, governance innovation, and inclusive economic transformation across the continent.
Together, their contributions are expected to frame a robust conversation on how tomorrow’s leaders can proactively shape governance institutions and development trajectories in an evolving global system.
Advancing Africa’s Long-Term Vision
YACAF complements the efforts of governments and development partners by nurturing Africa’s leadership pipeline and promoting sustainable peace, justice, and development. The initiative aligns with continental aspirations such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the implementation of frameworks that enhance youth participation in governance and economic transformation.
By fostering collaboration, benchmarking, and shared learning among youth institutions, NEXTGEN AFRICA TALK 2026 aims to strengthen Africa’s collective capacity to respond proactively to global shifts and secure a resilient, youth-driven future.
About YACAF
The Young Africa Change Agents Forum (YACAF) is a strategic NEXTGEN network initiated by the Africa Future Leaders Institute of Global Affairs to cultivate emerging creative and dynamic young leaders across Africa. The platform equips young innovators, civic actors, and problem-solvers with the skills and diplomatic tools necessary to contribute meaningfully to leadership and governance conversations shaping Africa’s future.
Media Contact:
Dr. Emmanuel Dei-Tumi
Founder & Executive Director
Africa Future Leaders Institute of Global Affairs (AFLIGA)
Website:
Source:
www.ghanaweb.com
