Africa’s largest youth forum on sustainable development is back and bigger than ever. The African Youth SDGs Summit is Africa’s largest youth forum on the Sustainable Development Goals launched in 2017, it has evolved to bring together a multi-sector coalition of youth, development experts, government and UN entities, NGOs, and the private sector to create the Africa we want together. Scheduled from June 23–25, 2026 in Accra, Ghana, the 6th edition will be conducted in a hybrid format combining virtual participation with a limited in-person gathering, allowing youth and stakeholders from across Africa and the world to join, connect, and contribute to shaping a sustainable future for the continent.
Theme: Reimagining Africa Through Youth-Driven Solutions
The 2026 Summit will focus on innovative, youth-led solutions that address sustainable development, social equity, and economic empowerment positioning young Africans not as beneficiaries of development, but as its architects and drivers.
Key Thematic Areas
SDGs Coordination, Data & Partnerships for SDG Financing in Africa: This theme focuses on strengthening collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and resource mobilisation to achieve the SDGs effectively giving young leaders the tools to hold governments and institutions accountable for the promises they have made to Africa’s people.
Humanitarian Response to Crisis, Climate Change & Emergency Preparedness: This theme equips youth with tools to respond to climate-related emergencies, crises, and disaster preparedness recognising that the communities bearing the heaviest climate burdens in Africa need young leaders who are trained, resourced, and ready to act.
Youth Innovation & Entrepreneurship Young African entrepreneurs are building businesses that solve real problems — from clean energy to digital finance to food systems. This thematic area creates space for those innovators to showcase, refine, and scale their solutions on a continental stage.
Youth Participation in Policy & Governance Critical enabling environments need to be created by state actors to ensure that youth do not become mere passengers in their own development process and this theme tackles exactly that, equipping young people to advocate effectively, influence policy, and lead governance reforms across the continent.
What You Will Experience
Keynote Addresses from African Leaders Hear from distinguished speakers, including John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, and other thought leaders shaping Africa’s SDG agenda offering rare, direct access to the continent’s most influential voices on development and governance.
Interactive Workshops Participate in practical sessions designed to develop innovative ideas, build skills, and implement solutions because the Summit is not just about listening, it is about leaving with a plan.
Strategic Networking Connect strategically with youth leaders, organisations, businesses, policymakers, and international development actors building the cross-border alliances that Africa’s most pressing challenges demand.
African Youth SDGs Awards Outstanding young leaders and organisations making a measurable impact on the SDGs across the continent will be recognised and celebrated — shining a light on Africa’s homegrown change.
Registration Options & Fees
The 2026 edition introduces a strengthened hybrid model combining virtual participation and a limited in-person experience in Accra. Local delegates residing in Ghana are also invited to participate.
- Virtual Participation — open globally to all youth and development stakeholders worldwide
- In-Person Participation — limited spots in Accra, Ghana; first-come, first-served
- Early Registration Fee: GHC 300 (Deadline: April 15, 2026) In-person participation is limited early registration is strongly recommended to secure your spot.
Why This Summit Matters
With more participants able to join than ever before thanks to the virtual format, this will be a Summit like no other contributing to an inspiring, open, and constructive debate on youth participation in SDGs implementation, monitoring, and accountability. For young Africans especially, this is the continent’s most powerful youth-led platform to shape the development agenda, build continental networks, and push for the Africa they deserve.
