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Young Africa Change Agents Forum (YACAF), an initiative of the Africa Future Leaders Institute of Global Affairs (AFLIGA), has set February 27, 2026, for its flagship virtual forum, NEXTGEN Africa Talk.
The high-level dialogue will be anchored from AFLIGA’s studios, also known as the Vision 2050 Hub, in Accra and is expected to convene youth leaders, policymakers and development stakeholders from across Africa’s 55 member states.
Themed; “Tomorrow’s Leaders: Today’s Conversations,” the 2026 edition will examine youth leadership within what organisers describe as an emerging “New World Order” marked by multipolar global governance and decentralised power structures.
Discussions will focus on how these global shifts affect youth development policies, governance frameworks and Africa’s strategic positioning within the Global South.
According to statement signed by Dr. Emmanuel Dei-Tumi, Founder and Executive Director of AFLIGA, the forum formed part of the Africa Shapers Initiative, a strategic platform under AFLIGA designed to promote collaboration, benchmarking and forward-looking dialogue among National Youth Federations, Associations, Authorities and youth-focused institutions across the continent.
Professor Pikay Richardson of the United Kingdom has been invited as Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker.
He is expected to deliver an address exploring strategic leadership positioning, institutional reform and Africa’s engagement within evolving global governance systems.
Also confirmed as Guest of Honour is H.E. Dr. Ayodele Odusola, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Harare, Zimbabwe, who will reflect on youth development policy, multilateral cooperation and sustainable development pathways.
The statement also noted that the forum seeks to generate innovative ideas on youth leadership development, facilitate dialogue between policymakers and continental youth leaders, and translate knowledge into actionable strategies for policy formulation and impact.
It will also promote intergenerational engagement and provide a benchmarking platform for Heads of National Youth Councils across Africa’s regional blocs.
The statement stated that the initiative aligned with continental aspirations including the African Union’s Agenda 2063, adding that YACAF “continues to cultivate a dynamic network of emerging African leaders equipped with governance, advocacy and diplomatic skills to drive transformation at community, national and continental levels.”
By strengthening collaboration and shared learning among youth institutions, NEXTGEN AFRICA TALK 2026 aims to reinforce Africa’s collective capacity to respond proactively to global shifts while advancing a resilient, youth-driven future.
