Published: May 10, 2026
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — The Young Political Leadership School Africa, a flagship initiative of Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, has concluded a weeklong Alumni Peer Reflection and Learning Exchange Mission in Sierra Leone, reinforcing regional collaboration on democratic governance, youth leadership, electoral integrity, and inclusive political participation across West Africa.
Held from May 4-8, 2026, in Freetown, the mission brought together YPLS Africa alumni from Liberia and Sierra Leone for high-level engagements with key governance institutions as part of efforts to deepen cross-border cooperation and strengthen democratic resilience ahead of critical elections across the region.
The exchange focused on peacebuilding, civic education, women’s political participation, youth inclusion, electoral accountability, and democratic reform.
Alumni Engage Sierra Leone’s Key Democratic Institutions
Throughout the mission, participants engaged officials at the Parliament of Sierra Leone, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, the National Youth Commission, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, gaining firsthand exposure to governance systems, institutional reforms, and inclusive political participation strategies.
At the Sierra Leone Parliament, alumni reflected on the country’s landmark Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act of 2022, signed into law by President Julius Maada Bio on Dec. 23, 2022.
The law guarantees at least 30% women’s representation in public decision-making while promoting equal pay, training opportunities, and improved access to financing for women.
Participants described the engagement as a practical example of how sustained advocacy and political organizing can drive institutional reform and gender inclusion.
Electoral Integrity, Technology and Civic Education
At the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, alumni examined how technology and civic engagement are being used to strengthen electoral transparency and accountability.
Officials demonstrated the Commission’s digital candidate registration system, which automatically enforces gender inclusion requirements by preventing political parties from completing candidate submissions unless at least one in every three candidates is a woman.
The Commission also highlighted its civic education strategy, which combines digital outreach with grassroots engagement in markets, schools, and rural communities.
The engagement reinforced what organizers described as a key democratic lesson: credible elections are built long before voting day through strong institutions, informed citizens, and sustained civic participation.
Youth Leadership Beyond Advocacy
During discussions at the National Youth Commission, participants explored youth governance structures and the transition from advocacy to active participation in public decision-making.
Commissioner Joseph Maada Lahai stressed the importance of youth involvement in policymaking.
“Policies change actions, and only politicians approve policies. So, if you want to change the actions of people, you must be part of the group of people who craft and approve policies,” Lahai told participants.
The mission also included high-level engagement with Sierra Leone’s Minister of Youth Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Sannoh, who praised the impact of the YPLS Africa initiative and reaffirmed his commitment to attend the program’s upcoming 13th Cohort and 10th Anniversary celebration in Liberia.
“We are the ones we have been waiting for,” Sannoh stated. “We represent hope for young people to lean on. We bring professionalism, access to government, and meaningful public engagement.”
Program Leaders Highlight Regional Impact
Reflecting on the exchange, YPLS Africa Program Manager Alphia Faith Kemokai described the mission as more than a networking platform.
“When young people from different countries sit, reflect, and learn together, we are not just exchanging ideas — we are building a shared future for Africa,” Kemokai said.
Mohamed Harass Barrie, Sierra Leone Chapter Lead, emphasized the importance of translating dialogue into action.
“Real change happens when youth move beyond conversation into collective action that influences institutions and transforms societies,” Barrie noted.
Growing Pan-African Leadership Platform
Over the last decade, YPLS Africa has expanded into one of the continent’s emerging youth leadership platforms, with more than 1,200 alumni across 14 African countries.
According to organizers, alumni are increasingly occupying leadership positions in political parties, civil society organizations, legislative bodies, student governments, media institutions, and community governance structures.
The program has also gained recognition for supporting the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the ECOWAS Vision 2050 framework, and the Sustainable Development Goals through youth-centered democratic engagement.
Organizers noted that the Sierra Leone mission comes at a critical time as several West African countries prepare for major elections, with young people expected to make up a significant share of the electorate.
The exchange additionally laid the foundation for expanded digital civic engagement initiatives under the upcoming Democracy Hub initiative and the YPLS Africa Alumni Association.
As the mission concluded, organizers reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to producing ethical, values-driven young leaders capable of strengthening democratic governance and social cohesion across Africa.
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