Description
The AEYA programme aims to strengthen the role of young people as change agents and leaders of sustainable development, while reinforcing the links between Africa and Europe. Our primary targets are young people between the ages of 18 and 30, with a particular focus on young women (OECD DAC 1 marker) and youth in situations of vulnerability. Our main operating partners are youth organisation, entrepreneurship support organisations and other entities working to support young people.
- Location: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia..
- Duration: 48 month (fevrier 2025 – january 2029)
- Implementing partners: Expertise France / Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo (AICS)
With 70% of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30, African youth represent a driving force that will shape the continent’s trajectory in the coming years. By 2050, the youth population in Africa is expected to double, highlighting the urgency of addressing the needs and aspirations of this demographic. By 2100, half of the world’s youth will be African, positioning the continent as a key player in global affairs.
African youth face major challenges such as:
• High unemployment,
• Economic insecurity,
• Limited access to essential services (healthcare, education),
• Political disengagement,
• Distrust in institutions,
• Underrepresentation in decision-making bodies.
In light of these factors, Africa’s youthful demographic today represents a unique opportunity to address many of the continent’s challenges — from employment to political instability. With the right investments in education, skills development, and leadership opportunities, young people can indeed become agents of change and innovation in Africa’s ongoing growth and transformation, as well as in building bridges with Europe.
Young people in Africa are increasingly turning to civil society to demand change :
- High political participation,
- Better governance,
- Opportunities for economic progress.
The objectives of the Africa-Europe Youth Academy are as follows:
- Improve access for young people (including young women, vulnerable youth, and those with disabilities) to spaces where they can fully express their leadership potential.
- Young leaders bring about positive change within their communities (by engaging in activities that address gender inequalities and challenges related to vulnerability) and become “multipliers” enabling other young people to take action.
- Promote inclusive and youth leadership at the local, national, and international levels.
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The project is structured around three components :
Methodology: Support ‘Spaces for Youth’ created by and for young people across the continent with grants, training and capacity-building. Results :
Methodology: Create the ‘New Leaders Lab’, a local training programme implemented by civil society organisations and universities. Results :
Methodology: Develop online training and mentoring programmes for young people, including alumni from European Union funded projects; organise events by and for youth at the local level. Results:
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