MONROVIA, Liberia — Omolara T. Balogun, board chair of Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, has called on African leaders to invest in youth leadership and address systemic inequality, declaring that the continent’s future depends on empowering its young population.
Her remarks came Monday, June 9, at the official launch of the 12th cohort of Naymote’s Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa), which aims to strengthen democracy, economic development, and civic participation across the continent.
The weeklong training, running through June 13 in Monrovia, brings together emerging political leaders, civil society activists, and youth representatives from six African countries. The event is held under the theme: “Unlocking Africa’s Potential: Youth Leadership for Economic Development and Political Stability.”
In her opening address, Balogun said Africa faces a defining moment, with rising inequality, youth exclusion, democratic backsliding, and shrinking civic space.
“If we are content with the current realities—the inequalities, youth underrepresentation in leadership, unemployment, brain drain, and the retrogression of democracy—then we should continue as we are,” she said. “But if we are ready to build a prosperous, stable, and democratic Africa, then we must invest in the young generation that is ready to rise and lead.”
Balogun described the cohort’s launch as a “meaningful moment,” noting the program’s evolution from a national initiative to a continent-wide movement for democratic renewal and youth empowerment.
She cited alarming trends in West Africa, where more than 90% of citizens now live under repressive or obstructed civic conditions due to authoritarianism, military coups, and declining freedoms. Despite these challenges, she praised the resilience of civil society and youth-led movements driving change.
“From digital platforms to peaceful protests in cities like Lagos and Accra, young Africans are demanding accountability, transparency, and basic freedoms,” she said. “However, increasing civic restrictions are making it harder to sustain this advocacy.”
Balogun also emphasized the global significance of Africa’s youth population, calling it a critical resource in a world where other regions are aging.
“It is time to engage this promising generation—educated, aware, and determined to create change,” she said.
YPLS Africa’s Growing Impact
Balogun highlighted the achievements of the program, which has trained more than 1,200 young leaders from 13 African countries since its inception in 2016. Many alumni have run for office, led civic campaigns, and now hold public positions.
“In Liberia and across Africa, at least 13 of our alumni are now in key political roles, and 186 are politically active,” she said. “Our graduates have organized over 100 civic engagement campaigns, reaching nearly 9,000 citizens.”
Program Overview
Alphia Faith Kemokai, Naymote’s program manager, opened her remarks with a quote from the late U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan: “Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation.”
Kemokai said the program addresses Africa’s chronic underrepresentation of youth in leadership, despite youth comprising more than 60% of the population.
“This tokenistic approach to youth leadership must end. We need a paradigm shift that equips and empowers young people to lead from the front,” she said.
Cohort 12 includes participants from Cameroon, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea, and Liberia, and features 13 expert facilitators from both local and international institutions.
“Since 2016, we’ve trained about 1,130 young leaders who are now contributing to Africa’s growth in politics, business, and civil society,” Kemokai said.
Keynote Address
Josephine Nkrumah, resident representative of the ECOWAS Commission president in Liberia, delivered the keynote address, urging participants to embrace ethical leadership, civic responsibility, and inclusive development.
“True leaders don’t just promise change—they build it,” she said. “That means crafting inclusive policies, creating opportunities for others to thrive, fostering peace and justice, and promoting transparent civic engagement.”
Support From Development Partners
Ireland’s Ambassador to Liberia, Gerard Considine, praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of youth engagement in shaping the continent’s future.
“With 60% of Africa’s 1.2 billion people under the age of 25, young people represent both a tremendous opportunity and a powerful force for global change,” Considine said.
He noted that youth are already playing vital roles in addressing global issues such as climate change and conflict resolution.
“The skills you’ve developed this week are vital for shaping long-term solutions and ensuring that youth voices are heard in leadership and governance,” he said.
A Call for Courageous Leadership
Balogun, who also heads the Policy Influencing and Advocacy Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute in Ghana, concluded the event by challenging participants to embrace bold and compassionate leadership.
“Effective leadership comes from understanding the real needs of the people,” she said. “The knowledge you’ve gained will guide you on that journey.”
She urged young leaders to see their efforts as part of a broader continental movement. “The challenges facing African youth transcend national boundaries and require collective solutions,” she said.
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