How to get involved

​Youth development

Africa has the youngest population in the world. This presents opportunities for economic and social growth if we focus on creating opportunities for young people. The African Union Foundation has prioritised the development of young people, and acknowledges their importance in the prosperity of the continent.

In 2015, the African Union Foundation strengthened ties with the African Union Youth Programme to accelerate youth development through cooperation. The African Union Youth Programme runs the African Youth Volunteer Training programme. The Foundation took in its first batch of volunteers in October 2015, in what is to become an annual programme.

The African Youth Volunteer Training programme is a continental development programme that works with young professionals in all member states. The African Union Youth Volunteers Corps promotes volunteering to strengthen the potential of young people in Africa as key agents in the delivery of Africa’s human development targets and goals.

The programme brings people together to share skills, knowledge, creativity and learning, in order to build a more integrated continent and, by implication, strengthening Africa’s relevance in the globalised world.

“As a Foundation we see ourselves as being an agent of change, bringing about transformation in the areas of gender and youth, creating tangible opportunities for women and for young people. They are assets with a unique contribution to make to present and future development. Transformation is a prerequisite for sustainable development, peace and prosperity in Africa. Such prosperity can only be achieved through partnerships and we urge you to embrace the spirit of Africa and take this journey with the African Union Foundation.” – Louis Napo Gnagbe, chief executive of the African Union Foundation

To partner with the African Union Foundation on any of our programmes and projects across the continent, please contact us on [email protected] or visit www.au.int