The African Union Commission Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (WGYD), hosted a series of impactful events to mark the commemoration of International Youth Day 2025 (IYD 2025), annually observed on August 12. Celebrated under the theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”, IYD 2025 provided an opportunity to celebrate the immense contributions of young people to the socio-economic progress of their communities, the continent, and the world at large. Throughout the day, key activities were carried out, including the official launch of the first-ever State of Volunteerism in Africa Report, a youth town hall with AU young professionals, and a regional experience-sharing visit at the at the Addis Ababa Community Participation and Volunteerism Coordination Commission (AACPVC) and the Lideta Volunteerism Village. These activities highlighted the transformative power of youth-led actions as key catalysts to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and realize the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
Official Launch of the First AU State of Volunteerism in Africa Report
The launch of the inaugural AU State of Volunteerism in Africa Report befits the International Youth Day celebrations, aptly recognizing young people as the primary engine of volunteerism. Developed in partnership with the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, the report testifies to the remarkable contributions of volunteers in shaping and transforming their communities.
In her statement, H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, noted “This launch marks a milestone for our Union. It is a testament to our collective resolve to recognize, document, and elevate the contributions of volunteerism to Africa’s progress. It reaffirms the essential role of volunteerism in advancing Agenda 2063 and flagship initiatives such as the 1 Million Next Level (1MNL).” H.E. Amb. Haddadi also highlighted the need to empower young people to drive sustainable transformation and urged Member States to continue designing and implementing national policies and action plans that integrate volunteerism into broader development and youth employment strategies.
Ms. Prudence Ngwenya, WGYD’s Director, also celebrated the role of volunteerism as a powerful tool to empower young people and create meaningful participation. She also extended WGYD’s gratitude to organizations and individuals who contributed to the report’s success. In particular, she highlighted the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme for their technical and financial support, the AU Steering Group Members, the Coordinator of the AU Continental Volunteer Linkage Platform (AUCVLP), Dr. Meshesha Shewarega, and the lead international consultant, Mr. Robert Toe.
Key findings presented at the launch underscore the widespread impact of volunteer efforts, including:
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The annual economic contribution of slightly more than 600,000 volunteers in Africa is valued at over USD 353.5 million.
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Seventy-four percent of all volunteers are young people, with 50.5% of them being women.
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Volunteerism is deeply rooted in Africa’s traditional cultures, with traditional forms of volunteering officially recognized in 32 countries.
A Tangible Look at "Local Youth Actions"
The launch of the landmark report was preceded by a regional experience-sharing visit. Delegates from 12 AU Member States, representing the five geographic regions of Africa, visited AACPVC and the Lideta Volunteerism Village and were presented with remarkable statistics that showcased the power of local youth actions. From 2018 to 2025, over 18.8 million volunteers have participated in a wide range of programs, including housing renovation and construction, meal-sharing initiatives, and free medical care. These efforts directly benefited over 8.1 million people, with the value of their service estimated at more than $3 million. A key highlight was the social services program, which saw the construction or renovation of 40,576 housing units, benefiting more than 202,880 households. This visit provided a tangible example of the International Youth Day theme in action, allowing delegates to witness firsthand the immense and lasting impact of volunteerism, especially in Ethiopia.
Strengthening AU Youth Professional Programme (AU-YPP)
Africa boasts the youngest population globally with more than 400 million young people aged between the ages of 15 to 35 years. In this line, the AU is dedicated to championing programs that position young people as key agents in the continent's development and transformational agenda. Through the AU Youth Professional Programme (AU-YPP), young Africans enhance their professional qualifications, social competence, and leadership skills, allowing them to meaningfully contribute to achieving an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa. In celebration of IYD 2025, WGYD also engaged young professionals serving the AU under the AU-YPP in an interactive session. The discussion focused on opportunities to strengthen AU-YPP, bringing forth a series of recommendations to enhance support structures, including the need for standardized programs and improved mentorship. The recommendations from the discussions were formally presented to H.E. Amb. Selma Malika Haddadi, AUC’s Deputy Chairperson.
IYD 2025 served as an opportune platform to recognize and celebrate the contributions of youth to global development. It also provided an opportunity to reflect on the challenges confronting young people and rally key stakeholders to ensure that young people are empowered and meaningfully engaged in policymaking and implementation.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ms. Adele Onguene Atangana | Communications Associate, Women, Gender and Youth Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail: AtanganaA@AfricanUnion.org
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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