YouthConneKt Africa Summit

The YouthConnekt Africa (YCA) Summit 2026 is coming to Rwanda and Youth Ready will be participating. Under the theme “Shaping the Generational Mission,” the summit is a call for Africa’s young people to rise, engage and define their legacy. With over 532 million people aged 15-35, Africa has the largest and fastest-growing youth population in the world, but that same generation is feeling the heaviest weight of global shifts like economic fragmentation, rapid AI-driven change, rising living costs and growing insecurity. This summit is about turning that reality into action.

Hosted by the Government of Rwanda, in collaboration with the YouthConnekt Africa Hub and with support from the African Union Commission and UNDP, the summit will bring together more than 5,000 delegates, including heads of state, policymakers, development partners, academia, private and public sector leaders, civil society, artists, athletes and, most importantly, young people themselves. The conversations will go beyond talk, with a focus on six big themes: AI-driven trade and integration, accountable governance, dignified work and livelihoods, climate and green livelihoods, Africa’s creative and sports economy and youth-responsive health systems.

This is where Youth Ready’s work comes to life. Through pathways in skills, entrepreneurship, livelihoods and well-being, Youth Ready is already helping young people build the kind of futures this summit is all about. Our participants and team will take part in the summit to share their stories, show what youth-led change looks like on the ground and connect with leaders and partners who can help open even more doors. Don’t miss it. Come be part of a generation shaping its own mission.