Munyonyo, Kampala: Uganda is set to host the 2025 Afro-Arab Youth Congress from October 7–10 at the iconic Speke Resort Munyonyo, marking one of the largest continental gatherings of youth leaders, policymakers, and innovators from Africa and the Arab world.
Themed “Amplifying Youth Voices for Peace, Unity and Prosperity,” the four-day congress is expected to draw over 1,000 delegates, including at least five Heads of State, youth ministers, diplomats, and international development partners.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Patron of the Afro-Arab Youth Council (AAYC), will officially open the event, which will be hosted by AAYC in partnership with the Government of Uganda, under the Office of the President and the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.
During the official launch held at the Uganda Media Centre in August, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, said the congress will serve as a platform for unity and transformation.
“Peace cannot be sustained without the meaningful involvement of young people; unity cannot be achieved without bridging divides; and prosperity cannot be achieved unless it harnesses the vibrant energies of young people,” Barugahara said.
A Platform for Peace, Innovation, and Cooperation
The 2025 Afro-Arab Youth Congress will feature keynote sessions with high-level policymakers, a non-elective General Assembly adopting the Kampala Declaration on Afro-Arab Youth Cooperation, and interactive workshops focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange.
Delegates will also experience youth innovation exhibitions, business networking forums, and cultural performances celebrating Africa-Arab unity.
A major highlight of the congress will be the launch of a fundraising drive for the construction of the AAYC International Headquarters in Nakawuka, spearheaded by Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, AAYC Special Envoy and former Prime Minister of Uganda.
During the announcement, AAYC Secretary-General Abbas Agaba unveiled the vision for the Afro-Arab Youth City — a futuristic 50-acre development on land donated by President Museveni.
“This is more than a building; it’s a dream city that will stand as a beacon of unity, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment,” Agaba declared.
The planned city will host a modern office complex, international-standard hotel, sports stadium, cultural heritage centre, and a University of Science and Technology — all designed to cement Uganda’s position as a hub for continental cooperation.
Oliva Mutesi, President of the Pan African Youth Union, called for solidarity among young people across Africa and the Arab world. “We are being attacked. So it’s time we become each other’s keepers, united against oppression, war, and discrimination,” she said.
The congress is expected to significantly boost Uganda’s reputation as a regional centre for dialogue, peace, and youth leadership, while driving economic activity in the hospitality, transport, and tourism sectors.
Minister Balaam Barugahara encouraged Ugandan youth to take pride in hosting the global gathering. “Let us represent our nation with pride and make Uganda the heartbeat of Afro-Arab youth cooperation. This is our chance to show the world our talent, resilience, and innovations,” he urged.
With Kampala set to host delegates from across two continents, the Afro-Arab Youth Congress 2025 promises to mark a historic milestone in strengthening Afro-Arab relations, shaping policies, and championing youth-driven solutions for global challenges.
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