Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — February 20, 2025
In a landmark move to bolster leadership development among Africa’s youth, the Pan-African Youth Union (PYU) and the African Leadership Excellence Academy (AFLEX) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize a strategic partnership. The agreement, inked at the SkyLight Hotel in Addis Ababa, aims to address systemic challenges hindering the potential of Africa’s young population and equip them with the skills necessary to drive innovation and progress across the continent.
Commitment to Youth Empowerment
The partnership comes at a critical juncture for Africa, a continent where youth under the age of 25 makeup over 60% of the population. With global demographic shifts and aging populations elsewhere, Africa’s youth represent both an opportunity and a challenge. The collaboration between PYU and AFLEX seeks to harness this demographic dividend by fostering leadership skills, promoting innovation, and creating sustainable frameworks for youth development.
Statement from the Leaders
Wiisichong Bening Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Pan-African Youth Union, emphasized Ethiopia’s critical role in the initiative during the signing ceremony. “Ethiopia is a key player in Africa’s development. Our continent requires skilled youth, and AFLEX provides targeted training to meet this need,” he said. Ahmed emphasized that the partnership is not just about training individuals but about building a generation of leaders capable of addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Zadig Abreha, President of AFLEX, highlighted Africa’s unique position in the global demographic landscape. “Africa is a young continent in terms of demography. Amid a global demographic crisis, Africa stands as a beacon of hope with its vibrant youth,” he noted. Abreha stressed the urgency of empowering young Africans to seize opportunities and drive transformative change. “The youth of Africa face a choice: seize the opportunity or miss it. We are here together to empower African youth and transform the continent into a hub of innovation,” he added.
A Framework for Sustainable Leadership Development
The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for collaboration, including joint training programs, mentorship initiatives, and research projects aimed at identifying and addressing the barriers to youth leadership. By leveraging the expertise of both organizations, the partnership aims to create a pipeline of young leaders equipped to tackle issues such as unemployment, political instability, and economic inequality.
The initiative also seeks to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among African youth, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and economies. By investing in leadership development, PYU and AFLEX hope to lay the foundation for a more prosperous and dynamic future for Africa.
The partnership between PYU and AFLEX represents a significant step forward in Africa’s efforts to unlock the potential of its youth. As the continent continues to grapple with challenges such as climate change, technological disruption, and global economic shifts, the need for skilled and visionary leaders has never been greater.
This collaboration is a testament to the power of strategic alliances in driving meaningful change. By equipping young Africans with the tools they need to lead, innovate, and thrive, PYU and AFLEX are not only shaping the future of the continent but also positioning Africa as a global leader in the 21st century.