Empowering Africa’s Youth, Transforming Tomorrow
The Young Ambassadors for Development (YAD) is the vibrant youth wing of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD). At its core lies a powerful vision: an Africa where youth are not just participants, but pioneers of inclusive and sustainable development.
Formed to amplify youth voices and catalyze action, YAD equips young people aged 14 to 29 with the tools, networks, and platforms to lead change in their communities, countries, and across the continent.
Our Vision
An Africa where development is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs, aspirations, and potential of young people and future generations.
Core Objectives
YAD exists to mobilize Africa’s youth as architects of a better future by focusing on:
1. Youth Advocacy and Campaigns
Driving youth-led action on sustainable development, gender equality, climate justice, good governance, and human rights.
2. Capacity Building
Providing leadership, technical skills, and civic education that prepare young people to engage meaningfully in governance, policy, and community action.
3. Voice Amplification
Creating accessible platforms where youth can speak, innovate, influence, and be heard at all levels of decision-making.
4. Mentorship and Peer Learning
Connecting emerging leaders with seasoned changemakers to facilitate growth, wisdom exchange, and cross-generational leadership.
5. Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
Nurturing youth-led solutions and ventures that address pressing community needs while building economic resilience.
Our Approach
YAD champions a transformational youth development model that places young people not just in conversations, but in command of them.
Through:
- Leadership bootcamps and capacity workshops
- Policy dialogues and civic tech labs
- Community-based action projects
- Regional and continental convenings
We empower youth to bridge the gap between grassroots realities and governance spaces, ensuring their ideas inform policy, reform systems, and inspire social change.
Our Impact Focus
- Youth Leadership Development
- Gender Equality and Women’s Rights Advocacy
- Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability
- Education and Digital Inclusion
- Youth Participation in Governance and Civic Spaces
- Community Development and Service Delivery
- Violence Prevention and Peacebuilding
What Makes YAD Different?
YAD is not just for young people—it is led by young people.
What makes us unique:
- Peer-led programming that reflects lived realities
- Intersectional inclusion: we champion the voices of girls, rural youth, persons with disabilities, and those often left behind
- Action-first ethos: We turn learning into leadership and ideas into impact
- Collaboration over competition: We build coalitions across sectors and generations
At YAD, we don’t just prepare youth for the future—we equip them to shape it.
Join the Movement
Whether you’re a young changemaker, a mentor, an organization, or a donor passionate about Africa’s youth potential, there’s space for you here.
Let’s co-create a continent where young people lead boldly, innovate freely, and develop sustainably.
📧 Contact us: [email protected]
