African Youth SDGs Summit 2026 in Ghana | International Youth Summit on Sustainable Development

Applications and registrations are now open for the African Youth SDGs Summit 2026 in Ghana, one of Africa’s largest youth forums focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The summit will bring together young leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, development experts, NGOs, and international organizations from across Africa and beyond.

The summit will take place from 23–25 June 2026 in a hybrid format, combining both physical participation in Accra, Ghana, and virtual participation for global attendees.

About the African Youth SDGs Summit

Launched in 2017, the African Youth SDGs Summit has become a major continental platform for youth engagement in sustainable development. The summit focuses on empowering young people to contribute to the implementation, monitoring, and accountability of the SDGs and the African Union Agenda 2063.

The 2026 theme is:

“Reimagining Africa through Youth-Driven Solutions”

The summit aims to create a collaborative space where young people can exchange ideas, discuss innovative solutions, and strengthen partnerships for sustainable development across Africa.

Summit Details

• Host Country: Ghana
• City: Accra
• Summit Name: African Youth SDGs Summit 2026
• Dates: 23–25 June 2026
• Format: Hybrid (Physical + Virtual)
• Theme: Reimagining Africa through Youth-Driven Solutions
• Participants: Youth leaders, innovators, policymakers, NGOs, entrepreneurs, researchers, and development professionals

Key Thematic Areas

The summit will focus on several major development themes, including:

• Igniting Innovation in a Digital Era
• Youth Leadership and Governance
• Green Economy and Climate Action
• Youth Employment and Economic Inclusion
• Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
• Youth Health and Wellbeing

What Participants Can Expect

Participants will have opportunities to:

• Attend keynote speeches and expert panels
• Join workshops and networking sessions
• Collaborate on SDG-focused projects
• Connect with youth organizations and development partners
• Explore innovative solutions to African development challenges
• Engage with policymakers and global stakeholders

The organizers emphasize youth participation in shaping policies and driving sustainable development initiatives across the continent.

Objectives of the Summit

The African Youth SDGs Summit seeks to:

• Improve awareness and knowledge about the SDGs among African youth
• Promote youth participation in sustainable development policies
• Strengthen youth networks across Africa
• Encourage advocacy and accountability in SDG implementation
• Support innovation and entrepreneurship among young Africans

Why This Summit Matters

Africa has one of the youngest populations in the world, making youth participation critical to achieving the SDGs by 2030. The summit recognizes young people as drivers of innovation, entrepreneurship, policy advocacy, and social transformation.

The event also aligns with broader international efforts to empower youth in sustainable development and global governance discussions.

Eligibility Criteria

The summit is open to:

• Students
• Young professionals
• Entrepreneurs
• Youth activists
• NGO representatives
• Researchers
• Policymakers
• Development practitioners

Participants from Africa and other regions are encouraged to join.

Registration and Participation

Interested participants can register through the official summit website. Both physical and virtual participation options are available, allowing broader international engagement.