African Union Youth Programs

The @_AfricanUnion (AU) Youth Division coordinates the AU’s youth programs to serve as the bridge between youth and decision makers.

#1mNextLevel

[African Union Youth Programs @AUYouthProgram]

Africa’s youth aren't just the future, we are the present!

​As #AfricaSkillsWeek2026 opens in 🇿🇼, the message is clear: moving from theory to practical skills to drive value creation.

​Bridging the gap from training to real jobs with AU-led solutions! 💡
#Agenda2063 #1MNL

[President of Zimbabwe @edmnangagwa]

It is a singular honour and privilege for Zimbabwe to host the official opening of the African Union Africa Skills Week 2026. On behalf of the Government and the people of Zimbabwe, I extend a warm, fraternal welcome to all African leaders, policymakers, captains of industry, academia, and our vibrant youth gathered here.

Our continent possesses the youngest population in the world, with over sixty percent under the age of thirty-five. This immense demographic potential must be converted into a competitive force through deliberate investments in relevant skills, work-based learning, and enterprise incubation.

The theme, "Skills for Resilient and Competitive African Industries: From Training to Value Creation," is a timely clarion call. We must aggressively transition away from a culture of mere theoretical education toward practical knowledge and technical capabilities.

In Zimbabwe ,our national development philosophy guides us: Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa, nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo. This cardinal compass reinforces the absolute Pan-African truth that the primary responsibility for economic transformation rests firmly with the citizens of the nation. The development of our continent cannot be outsourced, nor can it rely on external formulas.

As we engage in high-level panels and the Skills Development Market-place this week, I challenge all delegates to deliver tangible, actionable results that advance "African solutions to African challenges." Let us collectively chart Africa’s development agenda with confidence, unity, and determination.

[African Union Youth Programs @AUYouthProgram]

This appointment reaffirms the importance of young people as essential partners in shaping Africa’s future.

Join us in congratulating @nakate_vanessa on her appointment!

🔗 Read the official announcement: https://t.co/s6kekYvUhI

#AUYouthEnvoy #AfricanYouthLead #1mNextLevel

[African Union Youth Programs @AUYouthProgram]

The rumours are true!

🌍 A new chapter for youth engagement at the African Union!

The Chairperson of the @_AfricanUnion , H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has appointed Vanessa Nakate of Uganda as his Special Envoy for Youth.

[AU-EU Youth Lab @AUEUYouthLab]

Day 5 of #AfricaSkillsWeek turned dialogue into commitments. Member States advanced the Continental TVET strategy, financing &inclusion took centre stage; the week closed with the Communiqué. For young people, these must become real opportunities. Thank you, Harare! #AUEUYouthLab

[Basalirwa Jonathan 🇺🇬 @BasalirwaJB]

@_AfricanUnion @tabdulkadir @KabageGloria @Yemikebede @FrewDemeke @HC4Democracy @PrimusBahiigi @NimdUganda @WeAreNIMD @nakate_vanessa @Thomas_Tayebwa @AUYouthProgram @AUC_PAPS @AUABC_ I'm grateful to the AU Commission team (Gloria and Dr. Taye) and to the Horn Center for Democracy for facilitating this high-level engagement, and for the souvenirs 🎁

#YLDS2026
#HornCenterForDemocracy
#AUCommission
#YouthLeadership

3/3

[Basalirwa Jonathan 🇺🇬 @BasalirwaJB]

@_AfricanUnion @tabdulkadir @KabageGloria @Yemikebede @FrewDemeke @HC4Democracy @PrimusBahiigi @NimdUganda @WeAreNIMD @nakate_vanessa @Thomas_Tayebwa Our plenary session was a valuable exchange on democratic governance, youth participation, and the practical pathways that connect continental frameworks such as ACDEG and the AGA–APSA Youth Engagement Strategy to national realities across the Horn of Africa.

#YLDS2026

2/3

[Basalirwa Jonathan 🇺🇬 @BasalirwaJB]

Honoured to have engaged the @_AfricanUnion Commission’s Political Affairs, Peace & Security (PAPS) Department as part of the Youth Leadership for Democracy & Solidarity (YLDS) Cohort 1, on Fri/16th/Oct/2026.

#YLDS2026
#HornCenterForDemocracy
#AUCommission
#YouthLeadership

1/3

[African Union Youth Programs @AUYouthProgram]

That’s a wrap on #AfricaSkillsWeek2026 in Harare🇿🇼 From financing resilient TVET systems to inclusive lifelong learning, Day 5 brought it all home.

📺Watch our quick recap of how we're turning skills into value!

#ASW2026 #Education #Agenda2063 #1MNL #TheAfricaWeWant

[African Union Women, Gender & Youth Directorate @AU_WGYD]

⌛ 3 DAYS TO GO!

Systemic financial inclusion requires reform at the regulatory level! 🏦⚖️

​Central Bank Governors, Finance Ministers, and regulators are gathering at the Ministerial Policy Roundtable during the 2nd #EgumeniDialogue to design gender-responsive financial systems!

​#WYFEI2030 #Agenda2063

[African Union Women, Gender & Youth Directorate @AU_WGYD]

📢 Happening today at 7PM EAT!

Join the conversation ➡️ https://t.co/AjtYhguIGp

#WYFEI2030 #Agenda2063

[African Union Youth Programs @AUYouthProgram]

Day 4 of #AfricaSkillsWeek2026 focused on driving enterprise productivity, greening, and AfCFTA value chains🌍💼

From scaling global skills pacts to inclusive TVET tracks, empowering youth and women remains central to building resilient African industries.

📚 #Skills4Africa

[African Union Women, Gender & Youth Directorate @AU_WGYD]

Strong business associations drive sustained policy reform across regional markets! 🏛️💼

​At the 2nd #EgumeniDialogue, we will be launching the CONWOBAA Continental Leadership Training to equip 20 women business leaders with governance, digital finance, and advocacy skills!

#WYFEI2030 #Agenda2063

[African Union Women, Gender & Youth Directorate @AU_WGYD]

How does ending GBV pave the way for true financial inclusion? 💭

​Join us for the final X Spaces mini-series leading up to the 2nd #EgumeniDialogue as our expert panel dives into why safety is essential for economic prosperity.

​📅 This Friday, 16 Oct
⏰ 7:00 PM EAT
🎙️ Here!

#WYFEI2030 #Agenda2063

[African Union Youth Programs @AUYouthProgram]

#AfricaSkillsWeek26

🎯 Key takeaway from today’s Youth Summit, delivered by our Day 3 Guest of Honour, Hon. Tinoda Machakaire, Member of Parliament and Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training of Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

#Agenda2063 #TheAfricaWeWant #1MNL

[African Union Youth Programs @AUYouthProgram]

#AfricaSkillsWeek26

Watch the news coverage by @poaenglish and read the press release below for more information👇🏾
https://t.co/mrlhfuArGY

[African Union Youth Programs @AUYouthProgram]

@edmnangagwa @AUCEducation @_AfricanUnion @Banyankimbona5 @WGYD_Director 🔙 Retour sur les premiers temps forts !

La première journée de #AfricaSkillsWeek2026 à Harare 🇿🇼 a lancé une dynamique exceptionnelle, avec S.E. le Président @edmnangagwa comme invité d’honneur.

Revivez l’énergie de cette journée alors que nous poursuivons sur cette lancée !

[African Union Youth Programs @AUYouthProgram]

Taking it back to where it all began!

🔙Day 1 of #AfricaSkillsWeek2026 in Harare🇿🇼 set an unstoppable momentum with H.E. President @edmnangagwa as Guest of Honour.

Relive the energy as we power forward🔥

#ASW2026

[AU-EU Youth Lab @AUEUYouthLab]

Day 2: #AfricaSkillsWeek turned strategy into action. Member States shared African-led models, employers & unions shaped the Work-Based Learning Compact &leaders reflected on what stays human in the age of AI.
Skills that connect to real jobs build a shared future for the youth.

[WELEAD Africa @weleadteam]

🟦 Africa Skills Week 2026 📍🇿🇼

➡️Represented by @NixGrand2003 and @PassionateFuza, we are currently attending Skills Week in partnership with @WHH_Zimbabwe and Young Africa.

🎯We continue to help shape the future and champion #WhatYouthWant for Africa.

Stay tuned for more.
@AUEUYouthLab @AU_WGYD @AUYouthProgram @_AfricanUnion @molokele @NicolaWatson13 @namataik_ @FutureAfricaGov @WalpeAcademy @FranceZimbabwe @MakomboreroH @ropamakumire @marko_muropa @Che_Guevara_ZW @AdvMunhangu @YetTrust @SAYoF_Official @RuralYoungWomen @euinzim @GodsFlower_ @PhilFungurai @ZimRightsLIVE @AnnahSande @MalemaZw @SiphoMalunga @tapiwa_chiriga

[ZBC News @ZBCNewsonline]

REPRESENTATIVES at Africa Skills Week in Harare have called for greater industry involvement in skills development, including through curriculum design, workplace training and graduate assessment.

https://t.co/1ogpyOQn4q

[African Union Youth Programs @AUYouthProgram]

Day 2 of #ASW2026 drove home the shift from continental strategies to national implementation & industrial value creation!
📈 @ZBCNewsonline captured our vibrant panel discussions on tech, AI & industry partnerships.

Today: The Youth Summit!⏳️

#AfricaSkills