Nairobi, Kenya – Africa has officially joined the global Youth Democracy Network (YDN) with the launch of its African chapter in Nairobi, marking a significant step toward strengthening youth participation in democratic governance across the continent.
The initiative, implemented under the auspices of the Community of Democracies, expands the Network’s global presence following its establishment in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. It aims to provide a collaborative international platform led by young leaders committed to promoting civic engagement, inclusive governance, and peer-driven democratic development.
The African cohort brings together more than 30 young leaders representing over 20 African countries, including Morocco, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Egypt, and Mozambique.
The official launch took place in the presence of Mantas Adomėnas, Secretary General of the Community of Democracies, and Daryna Onyshko, General Youth Manager at the organization, both of whom highlighted the essential role of youth leadership in reinforcing democratic values and strengthening institutional resilience, particularly in diverse political environments.
As part of the official program, participating delegates conducted institutional visits to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) — the only UN headquarters in the Global South — where discussions focused on the role of youth in multilateral governance and sustainable development. The cohort also visited the Parliament of Kenya and met with the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, who emphasized the importance of empowering young people to actively contribute to legislative processes and public policymaking.
Morocco stands among the founding members of the Network’s African chapter, represented by Nidal Benali and Meryem Chaqrane, reflecting the growing engagement of Moroccan youth in multilateral initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic participation across the Global South.
In a press statement, Moroccan youth leader Nidal Benali stressed the strategic importance of youth-led South-South cooperation:
“The launch of the Youth Democracy Network in Africa represents a key milestone in empowering young leaders to actively contribute to democratic development within their communities. Today, youth are not only beneficiaries of democratic reforms but also actors of change and bridges for South-South cooperation across Africa. Morocco’s participation as a founding member in this Network is aligned with the Royal Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, particularly through the Atlantic Initiative, which seeks to strengthen African integration, promote regional cooperation, and place youth at the heart of sustainable development dynamics across the continent.”
The Youth Democracy Network’s African chapter aims to facilitate collaboration among emerging leaders, support locally driven civic initiatives, and enhance youth capacity in leadership, advocacy, and democratic governance.
The Nairobi launch marks the beginning of a continent-wide effort to ensure that African youth are not only participants in democratic processes but active contributors to shaping their future.
