Youth leadership and Africa’s evolving role in global governance will take centre stage on February 27, 2026, as the Young Africa Change Agents Forum (YACAF) hosts its flagship virtual dialogue, NEXTGEN Africa Talk 2026.
The forum, an initiative of the Africa Future Leaders Institute of Global Affairs (AFLIGA), will be broadcast from its Vision 2050 Hub studios in Accra and is expected to draw participants from across all 55 African Union member states.
Under the theme “Tomorrow’s Leaders: Today’s Conversations,” the event will examine how Africa’s youth can position themselves within an emerging multipolar world order characterised by decentralised power structures and shifting global alliances. Organisers say discussions will assess the implications of these changes for youth development policies, governance systems and Africa’s broader strategic engagement within the Global South.
In a statement signed by AFLIGA Founder and Executive Director, Emmanuel Dei-Tumi, the forum was described as part of the Africa Shapers Initiative—an AFLIGA platform aimed at strengthening collaboration and forward-looking dialogue among national youth federations, councils and institutions across the continent.
Professor Pikay Richardson of the United Kingdom will serve as Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker, delivering an address on strategic leadership positioning and institutional reform within evolving global governance systems.
Also expected to address participants is H.E. Ayodele Odusola, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Harare, Zimbabwe, who will focus on youth policy, multilateral cooperation and sustainable development pathways.
Organisers say the forum will generate practical policy ideas, strengthen intergenerational engagement and provide a benchmarking platform for Heads of National Youth Councils across Africa’s regional blocs.
Aligned with the Agenda 2063, the initiative seeks to build a continent-wide network of young leaders equipped with governance, advocacy and diplomatic skills to drive transformation at community, national and continental levels.
By fostering collaboration and shared learning, NEXTGEN Africa Talk 2026 aims to reinforce Africa’s collective capacity to navigate global shifts while shaping a resilient, youth-driven future.
