A new chapter in youth-led democratic engagement in Africa began in Accra as young leaders from across the continent gathered for the inaugural Pan-African Youth Parliament for Democracy (PAYPD) from 3–5 August 2026.

Held under the theme “A Democracy that Bets on the Energy of Youth,” the three-day initiative brought together emerging youth leaders, young parliamentarians, governance practitioners, civil society actors, diplomats and institutional partners to explore how young Africans can play a more meaningful role in shaping democratic governance across the continent.

The initiative was organised by the Innovation Foundation for Democracy (IFD) and co-organised by Parliamentary Network Africa (PNAfrica) and the National Youth Authority of Ghana, with support from the Parliament of Ghana, diplomatic missions, civil society organisations and other partner institutions.

A New Space for Youth and Democracy

The opening ceremony at the Parliamentary Training Institute of the Parliament of Ghana brought together distinguished public leaders and partners, including Rt. Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana; Mr. Osman Ayariga, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority; Dr. Enerst Daffour, Director of the Parliamentary Training Institute; Ms. Scyrielle Philomène Sende Etali, Director General of AGADEV, Gabon; Ambassador Mpule Kgetsi, former African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace; as well as representatives and experts from IFD, PNAfrica, diplomatic missions, civil society organisations and partner institutions.

Delivering the keynote address, Rt. Hon. Bernard Ahiafor emphasised that Africa’s democratic future depends on meaningful youth participation.

He described the continent’s youthful population as one of its greatest strategic advantages and called for stronger pathways for young people to participate in public policy and decision-making.

He stressed that youth participation should not be viewed as a favour but as a democratic imperative, encouraging emerging leaders to approach leadership with service, integrity, humility and a commitment to continuous learning.

Democracy Beyond Elections

Mr. Sammy Obeng, Executive Director of Parliamentary Network Africa, described the initiative as a bold investment in Africa’s democratic future.

He emphasised that democracy is strengthened when citizens, particularly young people, are informed, engaged and empowered to participate meaningfully in legislative processes and public decision-making.

Delegates were encouraged to regard the Pan-African Youth Parliament not simply as a three-day event, but as a platform through which young leaders can build lasting networks, exchange ideas and develop practical responses to Africa’s governance challenges.

Ambassador Mpule Kgetsi further challenged participants to see themselves as custodians of democracy and peace, urging them to channel their energy and creativity into promoting dialogue, inclusion and continental solidarity.

Understanding Africa’s Democratic Institutions

A major component of the programme focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of continental democratic institutions, particularly the Pan-African Parliament (PAP).

Mr. Gilbert Borketey Boyefio of PNAfrica led a session on the structure, mandate and operations of the Pan-African Parliament, providing delegates with practical insights into continental legislative processes and opportunities for citizen and youth engagement.

The programme also featured Ms. Bonolo Makgale, Programme Manager for the Democracy and Civic Engagement Unit at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, and convener of the Pan-African Parliament Civil Society Forum.

Drawing from her experience, Ms. Makgale highlighted the role of civil society in engaging continental institutions and strengthening democratic accountability through organised citizen participation.

Participants also undertook an educational tour of the Parliament of Ghana, facilitated by the Public Engagement Directorate. The tour provided firsthand exposure to parliamentary proceedings, including the Chamber, committee facilities and parliamentary library resources.

PNAfrica expressed appreciation to the Parliamentary Training Institute of the Parliament of Ghana for its collaboration and support in hosting the programme.

Youth Leadership at the Centre

The programme continued with an engagement with Mr. Osman Ayariga, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, who welcomed delegates to Ghana and highlighted the importance of investing in youth leadership, civic participation and opportunities for young Africans to contribute to national and continental development.

The discussions reinforced the message that democracy should extend beyond elections and create meaningful opportunities for young people to influence public institutions, policies and development outcomes.

From Ideas to Action: Youth Leaders Shape the Accra Declaration

The conversations in Accra did not end with dialogue. They moved decisively towards action on the final day, as delegates transitioned from learning about democratic institutions to shaping their own vision for Africa’s democratic future.

Working in thematic committees, young leaders examined some of the continent’s most pressing challenges across democratic governance, peace and security, youth participation, civic engagement, climate action, gender equality, education and sustainable development.

Across the committees, delegates brought perspectives from their different countries and experiences to the table, challenging one another, identifying shared concerns and proposing practical solutions.

The deliberations laid the foundation for the Accra Declaration, a collective statement expected to capture the priorities, recommendations and commitments of Africa’s young democratic leaders.

But the declaration is intended to be more than a document.

It is envisaged as a starting point for continued engagement—connecting young leaders with experts, policymakers, parliamentarians and institutions capable of helping turn their recommendations into action.

Plans are already underway to sustain the Pan-African Youth Parliament beyond its inaugural gathering through virtual policy dialogues, mentorship, institutional partnerships and direct engagement between delegates and Members of the Pan-African Parliament.

The ambition is clear: to ensure that the energy generated in Accra does not end when delegates return home, but develops into a growing continental network of informed, confident and active young leaders.

From Accra, the message is no longer simply that youth should have a seat at the table. It is that young Africans are ready to use that seat to shape the future of democracy.