The 5th African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Youth Symposium concluded with a progressive, actionable, urgent request for the establishment of an African Union (AU) Youth Fund to address the rising youth unemployment and support the resource mobilisation for all youth development initiatives across Africa.
The two-day African youth-led symposium, held in Midrand, central Gauteng Province, South Africa, concluded on Tuesday, 11 November 2025.
The APRM Youth Summit not only concluded with a resounding message of hope but also with outcomes that outline actionable recommendations for governments across the African continent.
In their outcome statement, the youth expressed a unified request that the APRM, through its national structures and robust consultative process, conduct targeted reviews on youth contributions towards the review of the African Youth Charter at 20 in 2026.
The youth gathering also commended the contributions of the outgoing AU Youth Envoy and further requested the institutionalisation of the office, along with adequate support to meet the needs of African youth engagement.
Youth Inclusion and Accountability
The symposium delegates urged African governments to sign, ratify, and domesticate AU treaties and protocols that promote youth participation in governance, including the African Youth Charter.
The delegates also called on young people across the continent to hold their leaders accountable by advocating for the adoption and implementation of AU instruments on youth and women’s empowerment.
One of the symposium outcomes the youth want implemented is electoral reforms that promote inclusive participation, such as reducing candidacy fees for young aspirants and independent candidates.
Peace, Security and Stability
The youth-centred symposium also used the platform to call on African Union Heads of State and Government to act decisively in restoring peace and protecting civilians in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Mali, the Sahel region, and the Central African Republic, as well as Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province. They further emphasised that sustainable peace and good governance are inseparable foundations for Africa’s youth to achieve prosperity.
Economic Empowerment and Job Creation
The 5th APRM Youth Symposium also expressed concern over high youth unemployment, barriers to recruitment, and the mismatch between educational needs and market demands.
The summit identified economic challenges amongst the youth as a leading cause of drug abuse and mental health issues. Consequently, they urged AU governments to adopt inclusive job policies, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen national youth development agencies and their equivalents to finance and mentor young innovators.
Governance and Leadership Renewal
The symposium also discussed issues related to food security, sustainable development, continental integration, and movement. Delegates also expressed concerns about the widening age gap between decision-makers and the populations they serve.
The youth, representing various organisations, advocated for the appointment of young leaders in executive and legislative roles, and commended AU member states that have integrated youth into their respective Cabinet positions.
The African youth also highlighted the importance of ensuring greater youth-led representation in future APRM Youth Symposia and fostering collaboration with other AU agencies and Regional Economic Communities.
The outcome statement of the Youth Symposium was read by Hassan Ali Ghazaly from Egypt, who also announced that the APRM will host a virtual session to review the actionable recommendations before the AU Mid-Year Summit. Through the Africa Governance Report (AGR), he stated that the APRM will evaluate the outcomes of past symposia and support Member States in their implementation.
“The Symposium reaffirmed that ‘moving from promise to prosperity’ demands courage, solidarity, and innovation. Prosperity is not inherited; it is created through collective effort, visionary leadership, and accountable governance. The participants called for strengthening the institutional capacity of the APRM and allocating sufficient resources to sustain youth engagement programmes with measurable impact.
“The delegates of the 5th APRM Youth Symposium pledged to build a legacy of active youth leadership, continental solidarity, and transformative governance in pursuit of a peaceful, prosperous, and united Africa,” he said.
