About Us

Who We Are

African Institute for Young People is where Africa’s youth meet purpose and possibility. Born from the vision of a united and empowered continent, it champions the creativity, ideas, and leadership of young Africans across borders. Grounded in Pan-Africanism, African intellectualism, and decolonial thought, the Institute nurtures voices that challenge injustice, imagine solutions, and shape Africa on their own terms.
Through mentorship, advocacy, civic engagement, and innovation, it provides spaces for youth to grow, collaborate, and lead transformative change in governance, climate action, and economic empowerment. Its approach honors Africa’s rich knowledge systems while inspiring a generation to reclaim the continent’s narrative and craft homegrown solutions.
More than an organization, the African Institute for Young People is a movement—mobilizing, mentoring, and amplifying Africa’s young changemakers. As Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o reminds us, “The present and future of Africa lies in the hands of its youth.” This Institute exists to ensure that those hands are empowered, visionary, and ready to create the Africa we want today.

Our Mission

Our mission is to transform fighters into thinkers and thinkers into fighters—empowering young people with the courage to challenge injustice, the wisdom to shape ideas, and the skills to build a just, democratic, and self-determined continent. As Samora Machel said, ‘International solidarity is not an act of charity: it is an act of unity between allies fighting on different terrains toward the same objectives.’”

Our Vision

To create a continent where Africa’s youth are empowered, engaged, and united, driving transformative change across governance, economy, and climate action. Guided by Pan-Africanism and African intellectual traditions, the African Institute for Young People envisions a self-determined, inclusive, and prosperous Africa—where young leaders apply knowledge, innovation, and solidarity to build a sustainable, equitable, and thriving future for all.

Core Values
  • Pan-Africanism  –  Unity and solidarity across the continent.
  • Youth Empowerment  –  Equipping young people to lead and innovate.
  • Decolonial Thinking & African Intellectualism  –  Centering African knowledge and homegrown solutions.
  • Civic Engagement & Democratic Governance  –  Promoting participation, accountability, and transparency.
  • Sustainability & Social Justice  –  Advancing equity, climate action, and resilient communities.
  • Ubuntu  –  Fostering empathy, collaboration, and shared responsibility.
  • Feminism & Gender Equality  –  Amplifying voices, challenging patriarchy, and empowering all genders.
Our Objectives
  • Empower Youth Leaders  –  Equip young Africans with skills, mentorship, and opportunities to drive change.

  • Promote Civic Engagement  –  Foster active participation, accountability, and democratic governance.

  • Strengthen Pan-African Solidarity  –  Build networks and collaborations across the continent.

  • Advance Climate Justice  –  Engage youth in sustainable and environmentally responsible initiatives.

  • Drive Economic Empowerment  –   Support entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive growth.

  • Champion Gender Equality & Ubuntu  –   Promote women’s leadership, equality, and community-centered values.

Join the African Institute for Young People
  • Who Can Join  –  We welcome all young Africans, women, persons with disabilities, and anyone who shares our vision of empowering youth and shaping Africa’s future. 
  • How to Apply  –   Complete our simple membership form to get started and let us know why you want to be part of the movement.
  • Approval Process  –  Applications are reviewed to ensure alignment with our mission, and membership is granted to those ready to actively contribute.
  • What Membership Means  –  As a member, you’ll engage in mentorship, advocacy, civic education, and youth-led initiatives that make a real impact across Africa.
Commitment to Values

The African Institute for Young People is guided by an ideology rooted in Pan-Africanism and the principles of Ujamaa socialism, as championed by Julius Nyerere. The organization honors Africa’s youth, women, and persons with disabilities as essential drivers of a united, self-determined, and prosperous continent. Grounded in the values of solidarity, collective responsibility, and social justice, the Institute draws inspiration from the unity and collaboration of the Frontline States and the OAU during the liberation struggle, rekindling that spirit of continental solidarity for today’s generation. By fostering leadership, civic engagement, and inclusive development, it empowers young Africans to build resilient communities, drive equitable growth, and champion democratic governance. Through this legacy, the African Institute for Young People ensures that youth are not only inheritors of Africa’s hard-won freedom but also active architects of the Africa We Want—a continent united, just, and thriving for present and future generations.