Imagine a world where the fresh ideas and passionate voices of Africa’s youth aren’t just heard, but actually drive the changes we all dream of— that’s the powerful promise behind a groundbreaking new partnership that’s set to shake things up on the continent.
In a move that’s sure to inspire young people everywhere, Youth Advocacy Africa (YAA) has teamed up with the University of Nairobi (UoN) through a formal Collaborative Agreement to kick off AfroVox Forums. This exciting flagship program is all about boosting the influence of young voices and ramping up their role in shaping national progress. Think of it as a dedicated space where the next generation gets to step into the spotlight and contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond.
The signing ceremony for this enduring alliance took place on November 20th, 2025, right on the bustling campus of the University of Nairobi. It’s not just a one-off event; this partnership lays the groundwork for ongoing collaboration that could transform how youth engage with bigger societal challenges.
At its heart, AfroVox Forums is built to spark civic involvement, build leadership skills, encourage fresh innovations, and open up conversations on policy matters. For beginners dipping their toes into these concepts, civic engagement simply means getting actively involved in community and government decisions— like voicing opinions on local issues or joining discussions that affect everyday life. The forums will gather together enthusiastic young folks, seasoned experts, and innovative trailblazers to brainstorm practical fixes for urgent problems, such as climate change or education access. Plus, it aims to arm participants with the essential tools—like critical thinking skills and public speaking confidence—along with real opportunities to make their mark. For example, imagine a workshop where a student learns to pitch an idea for sustainable farming to policymakers; that’s the kind of empowerment on offer here.
Dr. Antony Manyara, HSC, the visionary Founder of Youth Advocacy Africa, described this collaboration as ‘a fresh era in enabling young Africans to craft the tomorrow they envision.’ He stressed how teaming up with the University of Nairobi creates vital arenas for youth to ‘express themselves, get listened to, and spark tangible transformations.’ In fact, he boldly proclaimed AfroVox as ‘a landmark push for youth empowerment and guidance throughout Africa’—a statement that underscores the urgency of giving young people more say in their futures.
On the other side, Prof. Jackson Maalu, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance, Planning, and Development at the University of Nairobi, sees this deal as ‘a smart bet on the upcoming wave of African innovators and leaders.’ He added that linking arms with YAA reinforces UoN’s dedication to ‘cultivating perspectives that will guide policies, spark creativity, and lead the way across the continent.’ It’s a reminder of how academic institutions can bridge the gap between classrooms and real-world impact.
Elijah Koome, the Executive Director of Youth Advocacy Africa, pointed out that aligning with the University of Nairobi—widely regarded as a hub of international caliber—bolsters their goal of providing young Africans with crucial abilities and stages to shine. And this is the part most people miss: in a continent brimming with talent, partnerships like this could be the key to unlocking untapped potential that often goes unnoticed.
Mr. John Orindi, the Director of Corporate Affairs at the University of Nairobi, confirmed that this joint effort fits seamlessly with the university’s core aim of developing knowledgeable, active, and creative young individuals who are ready to tackle tomorrow’s hurdles.
Adding to the enthusiasm, Johnson Ireri Kinyua, the Dean of Students at the University of Nairobi (check out more on student life at http://studentlife.uonbi.ac.ke/), emphasized how this tie-up broadens horizons for youth to develop, get involved, and leave a lasting footprint in their local areas. For instance, it could mean more students transitioning from campus debates to influencing national agendas.
Looking ahead, this alliance plans to roll out a lineup of engaging events designed to boost community involvement and link university students with top policy advisors and influential figures from all over Africa. You’ll see everything from interactive dialogues—where ideas bounce back and forth in lively sessions—to hands-on workshops that teach practical skills, one-on-one mentorship programs pairing novices with pros, and grand conferences that draw crowds for big-picture discussions. These aren’t just talks; they’re actionable steps toward real involvement, like a mentorship where a young activist learns negotiation tactics from a veteran leader.
The signing event drew an impressive crowd of notable figures, including Purity Mutua, the Vice President of the University of Nairobi Students Association (UNSA); Karia Tetu, Vice President of the Women Students Welfare Association (WOSWA); Fridah Kemunto, who serves as President Emeritus of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA); and Henry Kurauka, a Board Member and Legal Counsel for YAA. Their presence highlighted the broad support for this initiative.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While everyone agrees youth voices matter, is partnering with elite institutions like UoN enough to reach the marginalized young people in rural areas who need it most? Some might argue it risks creating an ‘ivory tower’ echo chamber, while others see it as a scalable starting point. What do you think—does this collaboration truly democratize youth influence, or is there a better way? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I’d love to hear if you’re cheering this on or pushing for more inclusive approaches!