Reflect. Reimagine. Revitalize

CELEBRATING THE AFRICA YOUTH CHARTER @ 20

What is the African Youth Charter?

The African Youth Charter is a political and legal framework that serves as the strategic blueprint for youth empowerment and development across the continent. Adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) in Banjul, The Gambia, on July 2, 2006, it defines youth as every person between the ages of 15 and 35 years.

The AYC outlines the fundamental rights, duties, and freedoms of young people and commits AU Member States to:

    • Promote youth participation in all spheres of society.
    • Ensure access to quality education, health, and employment opportunities.
    • Protect young people from discrimination and violence.

Rights & Freedoms

Education, Health, Expression, Association, Property, Non-Discrimination.

Participation

Involvement in decision-making at local, national, regional, and continental levels (including youth in parliament).

Development

Employment, Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Livelihoods, Skills Development.

Peace & Security

Protection from conflict, youth in post-conflict reconstruction, law enforcement.

The AYC@20 Campaign:
Reflect. Reimagine. Revitalize

The 20th anniversary is more than a celebration; it’s a critical moment to assess progress and adapt the charter to new global realities like the digital revolution, climate change, and mental health crises.

In one word, what is the single most important issue the revised Charter must address for young Africans?

The Campaign Roadmap 2025-2026

Oct 2025
AYC@20 Webpage Launch
A dedicated webpage hosting resources, stories, videos, and a timeline of the African Youth Charter.
Oct 2025 – Feb 2026
AYC@20 Concept Video Series
Weekly short videos featuring narrations, youth voices, and "vox pops" testing knowledge and awareness of the Charter across Africa.
Nov 2025 – Feb 2026
Video Documentary
Short documentary interviewing key contributors to the creation of the African Youth Charter and youth leaders reflecting on its impact.
Nov 2025 – Feb 2026
Webinars / Virtual Dialogues
Interactive webinars exploring themes such as “AYC@20: Reimagining Youth Participation” and “Africa’s Next 20 Years of Youth Policy.”
Jan – Mar 2026
Podcast / Interview Series
Conversations with AYC champions, policymakers, and youth advocates under the banner “On the Road to the African Youth Charter @20.”
Feb – Mar 2026
Essay Competition
A continental youth essay challenge: “AYC@20: New Ideas to Reenergize Africa’s Youth Agenda.” Winners to be featured and showcased during Phase Two activities.
July 2, 2026
20th Anniversary Summit
A high-level event to celebrate the milestone and present the final proposed amendments to the African Union Assembly.

Voices of Change:
Stories of Impact Across Africa

Across the continent, young Africans are bringing the African
Youth Charter to life – transforming rights into real change.

The #NotTooYoungToRun Movement in Nigeria

How a Youth-led advocacy campaign successfully leveraged the AYC’s spirit of participation (Article 10) to influence legislative changes, lowering the age for political office in Nigeria and inspiring similar movements across the continent.

The #NotTooYoungToRun Movement in Nigeria

How a Youth-led advocacy campaign successfully leveraged the AYC’s spirit of participation (Article 10) to influence legislative changes, lowering the age for political office in Nigeria and inspiring similar movements across the continent.

The #NotTooYoungToRun Movement in Nigeria

How a Youth-led advocacy campaign successfully leveraged the AYC’s spirit of participation (Article 10) to influence legislative changes, lowering the age for political office in Nigeria and inspiring similar movements across the continent.

Aisha M. (28, Kenya)

“What I really applaud the African Youth Charter for is the way it looks at youth issues in a truly comprehensive way, bringing everything that matters to young people under one guiding framework”

Jean-Luc N. (32, Rwanda)

 “It addresses key issues around education and entrepreneurship, shifting the conversation from challenges on the ground to concrete actions guided by the Charter.”

Jean-Luc N. (32, Rwanda)

“It is very important for young people living in Africa to know and understand the Africa Youth Charter, because real change begins when we understand the rights and opportunities it places in our hands.”

AYC Resources

African Youth Charter (English)

African Youth Charter (French)

AYC Implementation Progress Report (2024)

Simplified AYC Booklet for Youth

20 Years of Impact

2006
Adoption in Banjul
The African Youth Charter was adopted by the AU Assembly on July 2nd.
2009
Entry into Force
Following the required number of ratifications by Member States, the AYC legally enters into force on August 8th.
2010
First Report Submissions
Member States begin submitting their initial progress reports on AYC implementation.
2017
#NotTooYoungToRun
The movement gains continental momentum, directly echoing the Charter's call for youth participation (Article 10).
2019
AYC Hustlers Initiative
The AU Youth Envoy launches the 'AYC Hustlers' program to drive localised Charter advocacy and implementation.
2026
AYC@20 Anniversary
Final presentation of the Charter review and proposed amendments to the AU.

From Promise to Action -
Make the Charter Work

#AYCharter2026
#ReimaginetheAYCharter

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