Kampala, Uganda: Uganda is set to host the Afro-Arab Youth Congress 2025 from October 7-10 at the prestigious Speke Resort Munyonyo, a move aimed at amplifying youth voices across Africa and the Arab world.
Announcing the event on August 6, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, said the congress, themed “Amplifying Youth Voices for Peace, Unity, and Prosperity,” will convene over 1,000 youth leaders, including three Heads of State, ministers, and development partners. The congress, traditionally held in March, has been rescheduled, signaling Uganda’s strategic effort to strengthen ties with Arab nations.
“The congress provides a platform for young leaders to share experiences, foster collaboration, and contribute to policy shaping across Africa and the Arab world,” Mr. Barugahara said.
The four-day event will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, youth-led exhibitions, cultural showcases, and a non-elective General Assembly to adopt the Kampala Declaration on Afro-Arab Youth Cooperation.
President Yoweri Museveni, a long-time Pan-Africanist and Patron of the Afro-Arab Youth Council whose secretariat is based in Uganda, has played a key role in securing the host country status. The congress responds to concerns highlighted in a 2021 Afrobarometer survey, where 65% of African youth reported feeling excluded from decision-making.
While youth activists like Alinda K. Bashir have welcomed the focus on empowerment, some critics question whether the event adequately addresses high youth unemployment, especially among women, which exceeds 30% in Sub-Saharan Africa according to 2023 Matsh data.
The congress aligns with Uganda’s 2022 National Youth Policy, targeting the country’s 78% youth demographic identified in the 2024 Uganda Bureau of Statistics census, positioning Uganda as a hub for youth-driven development and regional cooperation.
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