African youth meet in Kampala, commit to Africa Union Agenda 2063

What the report says

The Independent Uganda reports that the 4th BNN Youth Summit ended in Kampala on 7 August after bringing together more than 1,000 delegates from 11 African countries. The three-day meeting, held at Reach A Hand Africa’s headquarters on Lungujja Avenue, was convened by Reach A Hand Africa and Third Sector Builders and tied to International Youth Day activities.

According to the report, participants focused on how young people can help advance the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the continent’s long-term development blueprint. Discussions covered sexual and reproductive health, mental health, entrepreneurship and trade, education and skills, climate and the green economy, and responsible technology and artificial intelligence. The summit also produced three main priorities, described as “Bold Asks”: strategic funding, intentional inclusion, and guaranteed seats for young people in decision-making spaces.

The report says delegates and speakers from across the region highlighted challenges such as unemployment, insecurity, limited education, mental health pressures, and barriers to participation. Ugandan minister of state Dr Lakisa Mercy Faith said the government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for youth, while Reach A Hand Africa founder Humphrey Nabimanya said the summit was focused on action rather than symbolism.

The article adds that the participants took part in a cultural tour in the Buganda Kingdom and that the summit will meet again in 2027 to review progress on the priorities raised. More broadly, the event reflects a wider continental push to place young people at the center of policy debates, which is consistent with Agenda 2063’s emphasis on youth, jobs, skills and inclusion.