The long-awaited 5th African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Youth Symposium intended to recognise and empower youth in the continent as agents of good governance is set to begin on Monday, November 10, 2025.
The 5th APRM Youth Symposium to be held under the theme: “Youth in Governance: From Promise to Prosperity” in Midrand, South Africa is a collaboration of the South African Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and the Pan-African Parliament (PAP).
The gathering is expected to bring together a dynamicassembly of youth leaders, policymakers, parliamentarians, academics, and developmentpartners from across Africa and the diaspora.
The high-level seminar will also serve as a strategic platform for intergenerational dialogue and evidence-based policy engagement, providing an opportunity to explore innovative ways to strengthen youth participation in governance, peacebuilding, innovation, and economic transformation.
The meeting is also expected to make a substantive contribution to the forthcoming African Governance Report (AGR) 2027, focused on the theme “Youth and Governance in Africa: Towards Global Leadership.”
Objectives of the Symposium
- To recognise and empower youth as agents of good governance and sustainable development.
- To deliberate on key governance priorities, including peace and security, economic inclusion, and digital transformation.
- To strengthen interlinkages between AU institutions, national governments, and youth networks for participatory governance.
- To provide a platform for developing youth-driven recommendations and policy briefs feeding into the AGR 2027.
Public Service and Administration Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi is scheduled to deliver the opening address at the event, where former Vice President of Seychelles, Vincent Meriton will be the guest of honour.
According to the organisers, former African Union Commission (AUC) Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma will be the guest lecturer of the Symposium. Before the end of the Symposium on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, there will be intergenerational dialogues and thematic discussions on peace, governance, innovation, and reparative justice.
There will also a presentation of a Youth Declaration on Governance, Peace, and Development as well as the exhibition of youth-led innovations, research, and creative initiatives.
