5th Pan-African Youth Forum held in Djibouti

The 5th Pan-African Youth Forum (PAYF2025) was held in Djibouti from 4th to 6th November 2025, under the theme “From Aspiration to Action: Youth as Catalysts for Sustainable Development.”

The Forum, organized by the African Union Commission’s Women, Gender, Development and Youth Directorate, brought together young leaders, policymakers, and partners from across Africa to discuss and shape the continent’s youth development agenda.

The National Youth Development Council (NYDC) was represented by Ms. Kangwa Mubanga, Director of Investments, who joined other African youth leaders in reaffirming Zambia’s commitment to empowering young people to drive innovation and sustainable growth.

The opening ceremony featured a colourful cultural performance celebrating Africa’s unity and diversity, followed by powerful discussions on the African Youth Charter and the #1mNextLevel Initiative, which focuses on strengthening youth participation in governance, entrepreneurship, health, and education.

Key sessions during the Conference included:

• High-Level Leadership Panel and Youth Town Hall — fostering dialogue between African leaders and young changemakers.
• AUC Career Fair — providing career guidance and networking opportunities.
• Parallel sessions on Peacebuilding, Youth Employment, Health, Education, and the AU–EU Youth Lab.
• Innovation & Leadership workshops — equipping youth with skills for transformative leadership.

The Forum concluded on 6th November 2025 with the adoption of the 2025 Pan-African Youth Forum Declaration, reaffirming the commitment of Africa’s youth to take bold action for sustainable development.

The Closing Ceremony was graced by the Djibouti Republican President, H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, who also launched the VND Platform and the Grand Prix du Chef de l’État. Other featured remarks were from:

Hon. Moumouni Dialla, President of the Pan-African Youth Union, who delivered the Vote of Thanks;

Ms. Alessandra Roccasalvo, Resident Representative of UNDP, who commended youth innovation and resilience;

H.E. Dr. Hibo Moumin Assoweh, Minister of Youth and Culture of Djibouti, who officially launched the 1MNextLevel Initiative; and

H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, who shared a Happy Africa Youth Day Message encouraging continued youth leadership across the continent.

As the PAYF2025 concluded, one message stood clear — Africa’s youth are not waiting for the future; they are building it now.