Why We Do This

Across Africa, many young people are talented and ambitious but still locked out of real opportunity. Youth unemployment remains high, access to quality mentoring is limited and very few young people are invited into the rooms where decisions are made. Women, especially black women, are even more under-represented in political leadership, boardrooms and senior public roles.

The Young Global Leaders Network exists to change this picture. We work to make sure young Africans are prepared, connected and confident enough to create jobs, influence policy and lead in their communities and countries.

Tackling youth unemployment through entrepreneurship

One of the biggest challenges facing young people in Africa is unemployment. A degree or training alone is no longer enough. Young people need practical support to create their own opportunities and to grow enterprises that can employ others.

YGLN promotes a strong culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. Through our flagship programme, the Kickstart Entrepreneurship Challenge, delivered under Kickstart Innovation Hub Ltd, we help young leaders turn ideas into real ventures. Participants receive coaching, business development support, access to networks and a platform to showcase their solutions to investors, partners and the wider public.

When young people are able to build sustainable businesses, they not only support themselves. They also contribute to local economies, create jobs and reduce the pressure of unemployment across the continent.

Putting women’s leadership at the centre

Women remain seriously under-represented in political leadership, corporate decision making and civic spaces. This is even more pronounced for young black women, whose voices are often ignored or dismissed.

Through our Women Lead Initiative, YGLN creates space for young women to learn, connect and lead. We provide mentoring, leadership training, public speaking opportunities and visibility for emerging women leaders across Africa and the diaspora. Our goal is simple. We want more women at the table, shaping laws, policies and institutions, rather than being spoken for or spoken about.

Building active citizens, not passive spectators

We believe leadership is more than holding a title. It is about taking responsibility for your community and your country. Too many young people have been treated as spectators in national life, rather than as citizens with power and agency.

YGLN works to transform passive youths into active citizens who ask questions, hold leaders to account and step forward to serve. Through our summits, policy forums, civic education and youth advocacy work, we help young people understand how governance works and where their voice fits. We encourage them to vote, volunteer, organise and lead positive change where they live.

We are building a generation of young Africans who see themselves as shapers of their own destiny. Leaders who understand that leadership demands integrity, accountability and service, and who are passionate about creating a fairer, more just society for future generations.

What drives our work

Reducing youth unemployment through enterprise and innovation
Elevating women and girls into visible leadership roles
Strengthening youth participation in governance and public life
Creating a connected network of young leaders, mentors and partners across Africa and the diaspora