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AYUDC

African Youth Union Development Commission

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Our Story

About AYUDC

Redefining Youth Development in Africa

Founded March 1, 2021 • Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

2021
Since
38+
Countries
65%
Youth Target
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Our Story

The AYUDC Journey

Understanding the context and need for a unified African youth movement

AYUDC Headquarters Ethiopia

March 1, 2021

Founded in Ethiopia

"The demographic strength of Africa lies in her young people; vibrant, resourceful, dedicated, result-oriented and highly committed Youth they are."

The demographic strength of Africa lies in her young people; vibrant, resourceful, dedicated, result-oriented and highly committed Youth.

About 65% of the total population of Africa are below the age of 35 years, and over 35% are between the ages of 15 and 35 years – making Africa the most youthful continent. By 2030, it is projected that out of 6 people, 4 will be on average 20 years old.

About 15 million young African youth arrive each year on the labour market.

With multiple projects empowering the youth all over Africa, there comes a timely need to bring young Africans in togetherness and collectivism towards developing a road map for a better and developed Africa.

The Africa Youth Union Development Commission was created to give young Africans a platform for meaningful dialogue and action.

Given that around 65% of Africa's population is under 35, AYUDC wants to tap into this group to drive progress across the continent. The initiative started in Ethiopia on March 1, 2021, and has since spread across African countries, highlighting the need for youth to shape Africa's future.

Africa's Youth Demographics

65%

of Africa's population under 35 years

35%

between ages 15-35 (most youthful continent)

15M

young Africans enter labor market annually

2030 Projection

By 2030, out of 6 people, 4 will be on average 20 years old

This presents both a tremendous opportunity and responsibility for youth development in Africa

Our Vision & Mission

Guiding Principles

Our vision and mission shape every decision, program, and partnership we undertake

Our Vision

The Future We're Building Together

A society where all youth and communities live and work in dignity; where the collective voice and power of youth and young entrepreneurship are realized in a democratic and progressive union;

Where all youth are valued and all people respected, regardless of background; where all youth and communities can thrive;

And where a better and more equitable world is secured for generations to come.

Dignity

All youth and communities live and work in dignity

Collective Voice

Collective voice and power of youth realized

Democracy

Democratic and progressive union

Value & Respect

All youth valued, all people respected

Thriving Communities

Communities can thrive and prosper

Sustainability

Better and equitable world for generations

Our Mission

What Drives Us Every Day

To empower African youth through advocacy, capacity building, and collaboration, fostering sustainable development and inclusive societies across the continent.

This encompasses promoting education, economic opportunities, health, civic engagement, peacebuilding, and environmental sustainability.

Advocacy

Speaking up for youth rights and opportunities across Africa

Capacity Building

Developing skills, knowledge, and leadership abilities

Collaboration

Fostering partnerships across sectors and borders

Sustainable Development

Creating lasting positive change for communities

Inclusive Societies

Ensuring no one is left behind in Africa's progress

Our Focus Areas

Education
Economic Opportunities
Health
Civic Engagement
Peacebuilding
Environmental Sustainability
Our Objectives

All 23 Objectives

Comprehensive goals enabling youth to participate fully in Africa's development

Our Main Goal

The Overarching Purpose of AYUDC

The overall goal of the Union is to contribute towards the attainment of a peaceful and prosperous Africa where all young men and women without any discrimination, violence and abuse fully develop their potential; wholly, freely and consciously participate in economic, social, political and spiritual life, and positively contribute and benefit from the country's development.

1

Active Objectives

19

Ongoing Objectives

3

Planned Objectives

Our Impact

Achievements & Milestones

Tracking our journey from inception to becoming a leading Pan-African youth organization

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Countries Reached
0+
Youth Leaders Trained
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Programs Launched
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Strategic Partnerships

Our Journey Timeline

2021
March

AYUDC Launched

Commenced routine activities from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, East Africa

  • Established headquarters in Ethiopia
  • Formed initial leadership team
  • Defined vision and mission
2021
Q4

First Country Representatives

Appointed initial CRs in 6 African countries

  • Nigeria representative appointed
  • Sierra Leone representative appointed
  • The Gambia representative appointed
2022

Joined UN MGCY

Became member of UN Major Group for Children & Youth (UNMGCY)

  • Gained international recognition
  • Access to UN platforms
  • Collaboration with global youth networks
2023

Partnership Growth

Partnered with International Peace Youth Group (IPYG)

  • Peace advocacy initiatives launched
  • Joint programs with IPYG
  • Expanded to 20+ countries
2024

Continental Expansion

Active presence in 38+ African countries

  • 38+ countries with active presence
  • Mozambique representative appointed
  • South Sudan representative appointed
2024+

Ongoing Growth

Recruiting CRs in remaining African countries

  • Expanding to all 55 African countries
  • Launching continental programs
  • Building youth resource centers

Success Stories

Peace Advocacy Initiatives

Collaborated with Enderase Association to organize periodic advocacy for good governance and youth inclusion

5,000+ youth engaged

Health & Education Programs

Partnership with ANAYD organizing events towards SDGs and AU Agenda 2063 targets on sustainable health

10,000+ beneficiaries

Leadership Training

Capacity building workshops enhancing leadership skills of young Africans across the continent

1,000+ leaders trained

Climate Action Projects

Environmental protection initiatives addressing global climate change across African regions

20+ climate projects

Strategic Partnerships

AUC
African Union Commission
UNMGCY
UN Major Group for Children & Youth
IPYG
International Peace Youth Group
AfCFTA
African Continental Free Trade Area
NEPAD
NEPAD
EA
Enderase Association
ANAYD
ANAYD
Our Structure

Structure & Governance

Transparent organizational structure ensuring effective youth representation across Africa

Organizational Hierarchy

Continental Executive Council (CEC)

Highest decision-making body responsible for strategic direction and policy

President & CEOVice PresidentGeneral SecretaryRegional Representatives
Continental Screening Committee (CSC)

Reviews and approves country representative applications

Screening Committee ChairRegional CoordinatorsTechnical Advisors

Ethiopian Headquarters Leadership

Christopher Nicholas Kumba

President and CEO

Tinsaye Deed Jeldessa

Vice President

Carla Iteng Francis

General Secretary

Tambua Jerome John

Vice Secretary

Lomeri Kenyi Zebedayo Laku

Finance Officer

Blen Meskerem Abebe

Finance Officer

Bonita Theodros Bekele

Head of Internal Affairs

Hanan Argaw Kewi

External Affairs Officer

Daduwami Simon Carmelo

Environmental & Climate Change

Hanery Sakwa

Health Officer

Governance Principles

Transparency

Open and accountable operations in all activities

Youth-Led

By young Africans, for young Africans

Democratic

Fair representation and decision-making processes

Inclusive

Equal opportunities regardless of background

Accountable

Responsible stewardship of resources and trust

Collaborative

Working with partners for greater impact