The Africa Youth Conference (AYC) 2025 says it will mobilise youth leadership across the West African sub-region to build capacity for innovation and industrial development across the continent.
In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, AYC Convener Mr Nwokorie David announced that the conference would be organised in partnership with the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
According to David, the event is scheduled to take place on June 17 and 18 in Abuja and is co-organised by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
“AYC is a leading annual gathering that brings together youth leaders, policymakers, and development actors from across West Africa and beyond.
“The 2025 edition, hosted by UNESCO, will focus on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) nine, which promotes resilient infrastructure, inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and innovation.
“The theme for the 2025 event is ‘We Are Stars: Thriving in a World of Limitless Opportunities.”
David emphasised that AYC 4.0 was not just a gathering but a movement aimed at enabling youth-led solutions to pressing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, illiteracy, and public health.
“Africa’s transformation depends on how boldly its next generation is empowered,” he said.
He said the conference would feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including: Mr Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker, Nigeria House of Representatives, and Sen. Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State.
Others are Amb. Francis Chuks Njoaguani, Director, ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, Dr Mendy Albert, UNESCO Resident Representative to Nigeria, Benjamin Fraser, Chairperson, Commonwealth Students Association, Abiodun Sowewimo, CEO, Cyberpedia Internet Governance.
Others include Mr Godspower Oshodin, CEO, Solution Media, Dr Eihleen Cheng, Founder, African University Ecosystem, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, and Nigeria’s Minister of State, Foreign Affairs.
David added that the conference was supported by a broad coalition of institutional and private sector partners, including UNESCO, ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre, Tompolo Foundation, the Commonwealth Students’ Association, and the African University Incubator Ecosystem.
“These partnerships reflect a deep and growing commitment to advancing youth leadership and innovation as central forces in shaping Africa’s future,” he added.
By Aderogba George
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
