The launch of the inaugural YouthConnekt Africa Youth Advisory Council (YAC) captured the imagination of young leaders across the continent. In just one month, from July 28 to August 28, 2025, the call for applications drew over 100 submissions from dynamic youth who dared to envision themselves as the next generation of voices guiding YouthConnekt Africa.
But vision alone was not enough. It demands a rigorous process to find the right voices. We designed a meticulous vetting system to ensure the integrity and credibility of the Council from the very start.
Narrowing the Field
Candidates were assessed against foundational eligibility requirements:
- An official nomination or endorsement from a recognized institution.
- Valid recommendation letters with contact references.
- Proof of age, aligning with the African Union’s definition of youth (15–35 years).
This first review cut the pool by more than half, leaving 45 qualified applicants who had met the baseline test of credibility, legitimacy, and youth identity.
The Criteria That Defined Leadership
From there, the process shifted to a more rigorous evaluation, anchored on three assessment pillars:
- Demonstrated Leadership – Proven ability to lead, supported by tangible outcomes and measurable impact.
- Alignment with YCA’s Mission – Evidence that their work resonates with YCA’s goal of empowering youth across Africa.
- Exposure Across Borders – Experience working, studying, or leading initiatives across multiple regions or cultures in Africa, proving the ability to operate in diverse environments.
This stage was undertaken by the YouthConnekt Africa Hub team, who carefully reviewed and scored each eligible candidate. Their work produced a shortlist of 15 finalists — a group defined not only by their individual records of achievement but by their collective representation of Africa’s diversity.
The Fifteen Who Emerged
What began as 103 applicants is now distilled into 15 finalists — young leaders representing 11 different countries. The group is almost perfectly balanced, with 7 females and 8 males.
The countries represented in this final group are:
Senegal, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, The Gambia, Mauritania, Kenya, Benin, and Rwanda.
Each finalist brings not only their personal record of achievement but also the unique lived realities of their national contexts. Together, they form a mosaic of Africa’s diversity and potential.
Enter the Selection Committee
The final decision now rests with an independent Selection Committee. Composed of seasoned experts in youth empowerment, this body will deliberate on the 15 finalists, and select the 10 who will officially serve as the inaugural Youth Advisory Council members.
This process is more than a selection; it is a statement. We are building the Council with a deliberate effort to find young people who embody leadership, vision, and cross-cultural fluency. They will be tasked with ensuring that YouthConnekt Africa remains accountable, youth-driven, and truly representative of the continent’s diversity.
From 103 hopefuls to 15 finalists, the journey reflects a truth that cannot be ignored: Africa’s youth are not waiting to be invited to the table — they are ready to set the agenda.
And now, all eyes turn to the next chapter: Who will make the final 10? Stay tuned as the story unfolds.
💬 Is your country among the finalists? Drop your flag in the comments and let’s celebrate Africa’s youth together.
