Africa: My Home. My Future.

AAYC 2022

Background

The maiden AAYC held in Ghana in 2022 aimed to initiate a continental youth campaign on African patriotism that would create platforms for constructive engagements among African youth and deepen awareness of the potential and opportunities for young people to grow, develop, and thrive in Africa. After over three years of planning intercepted by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the congress took place between 31st October and 5th November 2024 at the Pentecostal Convention Center, Kasoa, Accra. One thousand young people aged 15-35 years and youth advisors aged between 35 and 40 years from within the content and the diaspora participated.

Ghana was strategically chosen to host the first All African Youth Congress for two crucial reasons. Firstly, the country is home to one of the prominent Pan-Africanists, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of the Republic of Ghana. He was one of the pioneers of the Pan-African Movement and a founding Father of the Organization of African Unity. Secondly, Ghana is currently rated as one of the most peaceful, democratic, and hospitable nations in the continent.

The Congress featured prominent and famous Pan-Africanists, politicians, eminent persons, businessmen and women, renowned entrepreneurs, Africa's sports personalities, heroes and heroines, and young people who are champions in different development spheres in Africa. Part of the congress’ focus was on advancing the realization of Africa’s sustainable development goals, as articulated in the African Union Agenda 2063.

Congress conversations
tailored around four thematic areas: 

Youth and African Patriotism

This subtheme celebrated African arts, culture, and heritage. It also focused on promoting the education system that decolonizes African youth while unlocking their potential for innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

Active Citizenship

This focused on fostering meaningful youth participation in governance, politics, and significant decision-making processes and building a new generation of transparent and accountable Pan-African leaders.

Peace and Security

This was all about eradicating all forms of inequality and injustice that cause violent- conflicts in Africa. For example, topics such as mitigating human trafficking, confronting climate change, silencing the guns, and responding to debt crises were discussed.

African Dignity

The focus here was on addressing inequality and discrimination against people with disabilities. The sub-theme also featured activities on overcoming xenophobia, racism, religious persecution, Afrophobia, harmful traditional practices, and Wellness (mental, physical, spiritual, and financial).