Kenya is preparing to host more than 1,000 young Africans in June for the 2nd edition of the All-Country Conference.
The Kenya School of Government has partnered with CorpsAfrica to host the 2025 ACC, which was first held in Rwanda in 2023.
CorpsAfrica country director Patricia Kingori-Mugendi said they want to rally young people to take up projects that will change their communities for the better.
“Our objective as an organisation is to mobilise college-educated youth,” she said.
“We are providing a platform for them to make a difference in regional communities through volunteerism and entrepreneurship.”
Principal lecturer Dr Tom Wanyama, speaking on behalf of the director general, called on stakeholders and partners to rally around youth empowerment at every opportunity.
“The need for change by young people across the continent demonstrates the determination of a well-educated generation eager to shape their own future,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to increase mentorship, funding and collaboration to address the demands of young people across the continent.
Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with more than 70 per cent of the population in sub-Saharan Africa being under 30 years old.
Mugendi said training and upskilling the youth can help them advance economic growth, innovation and social transformation.
“This is a time of hope and opportunity. Africa’s youth have the potential to drive sustainable development in rural, under-resourced communities in their home countries and shape the continent’s future," she said.
“It is this potential that CorpsAfrica is seeking to harness by creating a space for youth to stay productively engaged, while also making a lasting difference in their communities.”
Participating communities will be expected to identify, implement and own the projects in partnership with the volunteers.
Prior to being assigned to local communities, CorpsAfrica volunteers undergo two months of training and are engaged for 10 months living and working in the communities.
Building on the success of the inaugural edition, ACC 2025 will feature a full week of interactive workshops, panel discussions, impact stories and learning on youth leadership.
Other speakers included CorpsAfrica chief programmes officer Samora Otieno and Mastercard Foundation Kenya programmes head Caspar Pedo.
They both championed strategic alliances with the private sector, development agencies and government in expanding the reach and impact of youth-led programmes.
Established in 10 African countries, CorpsAfrica mobilises university and college graduates to become change agents in local communities.
The organisation, through volunteers, champions small-scale, high-impact community-led projects across various sectors.
Ventures that emphasise climate action and climate sustainability are given more attention.
