Published: June 10, 2026
LOWER MARGIBI COUNTY — More than 200 emerging civic and political leaders from 13 African countries opened a weeklong leadership academy in Liberia on Sunday, the 13th edition of the Young Political Leadership School Africa and the program’s 10th anniversary as a continental training platform.
Hosted by Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, the school runs under the theme “Empowering the Future: From Learning to Leadership for Africa’s Agenda 2063.” Participants will train in democratic governance, political strategy, public policy advocacy, ethical leadership, digital democracy and civic engagement, and build cross border networks meant to widen youth participation in decision making.
What started in Liberia in 2016 with 30 participants has trained more than 1,200 young leaders, many now serving in governments, parties, civil society groups and public service across Africa. The initiative was founded by Naymote Executive Director Eddie D. Jarwolo, who drew the idea from the World Movement for Democracy Assembly in Lima, Peru, to close a persistent gap in youth political leadership on the continent.
Delivering the keynote, United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative Aliou Mamadou Dia pressed participants to move from taking part to holding power. “The question is no longer whether young people are participating. The real question is whether they are sitting at the tables where decisions are made, whether they are shaping policies, voting budgets, leading institutions, and influencing governance at both national and local levels,” he said.
Dia, a former presidential candidate in Senegal with more than two decades in development work, cited youth led movements in Kenya, Madagascar and the Arab Spring as proof young people can shift national debate. He cast knowledge as the decisive asset. “If you don’t have knowledge, you are not part of the discussion. Africa needs young people who bring ideas, solutions, and vision, not those who simply applaud from the sidelines. Leadership requires preparation, courage, competence, and continuous learning,” he said. “Challenge yourselves with knowledge. The problems facing Africa today are increasingly complex, and only informed leaders will be able to solve them.”
Sweden’s Ambassador to Liberia and Sierra Leone, Karl Backeus, praised Naymote for scaling a local idea into a continental platform and framed it as a counter to democratic backsliding. “Democracy is never a finished project; it requires continuous investment in knowledge, leadership, participation, and civic engagement,” he said. “Programs like this are essential, particularly at a time when democratic backsliding is being witnessed across different regions of the world.” He reminded participants that office is a duty, not a perk. “You are public servants. Leadership is not about enjoying the benefits of office. It is about serving the people who place their trust in you,” Backeus said.
Jarwolo called the school a movement rather than a training course. “Ten years ago, we started this journey with a simple but ambitious vision — to prepare young Africans for leadership and public service,” he said. “Today, that vision has grown into a continental platform that continues to inspire and equip young people to lead with integrity, accountability, and purpose.” He urged participants to use the six days to forge relationships and shape practical solutions. “Africa’s future will be determined by the quality of leadership we produce today. The responsibility rests with this generation to champion democracy, strengthen institutions, and create opportunities that leave no one behind,” he said.
Organizers said the program remains committed to advancing democratic governance and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the continent’s long term development blueprint.
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