Where we work

The UN predicts that sub-Saharan Africa will account for more than half of the growth of the world’s population between 2022 and 2050.

A key question of our time is: how will Africa generate enough jobs to support our rapidly growing population? We believe, and demonstrate, that equipping youth with vocational skills and life skills training is the most successful way to tackle youth unemployment. Young Africa is active in 6 different countries, with vocational centres, mobile trucks and partnerships.

Think local

We strongly believe in the empowerment of local communities. The Young Africa federation is Africa-led. Our international headquarters are located in Harare, Zimbabwe, with a founding support office in the Netherlands.

99% of Young Africa staff members are African. Young Africa’s managing board consists of two-thirds Africans, and 66% of the federation’s supervisory board members are African.
The affiliates of the federation are independent legal entities that are locally registered, locally supervised, and managed by local teams.

Countries

We empower youth across six countries, with a vision to expand even further.

In Malawi, Botswana, Ghana, Ethiopia, as well as in Zimbabwe and Zambia, we collaborate with YAmodel Partners, who have replicated our approach to youth empowerment.

Programmes

According to the World Bank, only 28% of the population has access to electricity, with a stark urban-rural divide, exacerbating the impact of energy shortages. The transformative programme at the Lilayi Centre is designed to address youth unemployment, energy shortages, and environmental needs in Zambia.

Zambia

The Youth Employability Booster initiative tackles youth unemployment in Nigeria by delivering innovative vocational training and entrepreneurial support.

Nigeria

By promoting sustainable livelihoods in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, the initiative drives meaningful economic growth, social empowerment, and strengthened organizational capacity.

Zimbabwe

More programmes