25 – 27 November 2027 • Accra, Ghana

Welcome to the
Young African
Leaders Summit

Uniting Africa's boldest emerging leaders to inspire innovation, shape policy, and drive transformation.

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25 – 27 November 2027
Accra, Ghana
November
25
2027
Young African Leaders Summit 2021 delegates gathered for the opening session in Accra, Ghana
3rd Edition
About the Summit

The Africa We Want by 2040

The Future of African Youth

The Young African Leaders Summit (YALS) is a flagship three day event by The Young Global Leaders Network (YGLN), uniting Africa's emerging youth leaders to inspire leadership, innovation, and collaboration. It offers a vibrant platform for idea exchange, mentorship, and action on key continental challenges.

YALS features keynote speeches, panels, focus groups, and the African Youth General Assembly (AU Model), empowering youth to influence policy and drive change. Delegates also present papers on leadership, governance, and development, fostering knowledge sharing and critical dialogue.

YoungTalks

TEDx style talks on leadership & social impact

Startup Pitch

Young entrepreneurs showcase ventures

Model AU

The African Youth General Assembly, 54 named briefs

Awards Night

Honouring youth excellence across Africa

Call for Papers

Share Your Research & Ideas

Are you passionate about leadership, governance, and youth development? YALS invites scholars, researchers, and thought leaders to present groundbreaking research, case studies, or policy papers. Share insights, engage in critical discussions, and contribute to shaping Africa's future.

Submission deadline: 20 October 2026 · Limited places available

Submit Your Paper
YoungTalk Stage

Inspire. Empower. Transform.

Deliver a TEDx style talk on leadership and social impact. YoungTalk is an electrifying segment at YALS where bold thinkers, innovators, and emerging leaders deliver compelling short talks on leadership, empowerment, and social impact.

Application deadline: 20 October 2026 · Only 8 to 10 speakers selected

Apply to Speak
Programme

Summit Schedule

25 – 27 November 2027 • Accra, Ghana

All Day

Delegates' Arrival & Check-in

Arrive at venue and settle in

All Day

Registration & Summit Materials

Collect your summit pack, badge, and materials

09:30 – 10:00

Morning Networking Session

Connect with fellow delegates

Networking
10:00 – 10:30

Welcome Address

Official opening of YALS 2027

Keynote
10:30 – 11:00

Solidarity Messages from Delegations

National and regional delegations share messages

11:00 – 11:30

Cultural Performance & Interlude

Celebrating African heritage through art and dance

Cultural
11:30 – 12:30

Keynote Speeches & Guest Addresses

High level speakers and thought leaders

Keynote
12:30 – 13:30

Lunch & Networking

Refreshments and informal discussions

Break
13:30 – 15:00

Plenary Sessions

Deep dive panels on summit themes

15:00 – 16:00

Workshops (Parallel Sessions)

Practical Deep Dives on leadership skills

Workshop
16:00 – 17:30

YoungTalk: Inspire. Empower. Transform.

TEDx style talks from emerging leaders

YoungTalk
06:00 – 07:30

Morning Session, Exercises & Games

Team building and wellness activities

Wellness
09:00 – 10:30

Plenary Sessions

Leadership, policy and diplomacy discussions

10:30 – 11:45

Workshops (Parallel Sessions)

Hands on skill building

Workshop
11:45 – 12:45

Presentation of Workshop Outcomes

Findings and summary from parallel sessions

12:45 – 13:45

Lunch & Networking

Refreshments and informal discussions

Break
13:45 – 15:00

Breakout Mentorship Sessions

Choose one focus area for guided mentorship

Mentorship
15:00 – 16:30

Share Your Research & Ideas

Paper presentations by delegates

Papers
16:30 – 18:30

Free Time

Rest, explore Accra at your own pace, or prepare your brief for the Assembly

Free
19:00 – 21:00

Bonfire Chats & Evening Networking

Informal discussions under the stars

Social
08:30 – 09:00

Delegations Seat

Flags and placards out for the African Youth General Assembly

Assembly
09:00 – 10:00

Opening Plenary & Election of the Speaker

The Clerk takes the chair, Credentials reports, the House elects its Bureau

Assembly
10:00 – 12:00

Committees Sit

Six committees draft their chapter of the Declaration

Assembly
12:00 – 13:00

Lunch & Delegation Caucuses

Delegations settle their positions before the House sits

Break
13:00 – 15:30

The House Sits

Chapters presented by Rapporteurs, amendments taken from the floor

Assembly
15:40 – 16:15

Adoption & Signing of the Declaration

The Accra Youth Declaration 2027 is adopted and signed

Declaration
16:15 – 17:00

Presentation of the Declaration & Closing Plenary

Handover to the African Union Youth Envoy’s office and diplomatic guests, closing remarks from the Speaker

Closing
17:00 – 17:30

Practitioner Graduation & Summit Photograph

Certificate cohort reads the Practitioner Declaration, then the full delegation photograph

Graduation
19:00 – 21:00

Awards Ceremony & Dinner

Celebrating youth excellence with dignitaries

Awards
All Day

Departure of Delegates

Safe travels! Until we meet again.

Relive the Moments

Summit Highlights

2021

Highlight of 2021 Summit

The inaugural gathering that started it all

2019

Highlight of 2019 Summit

Where the vision took shape

Registration

Summit Fees Schedule

Choose the package that works for you

Early Bird Discount Rate

Apply and pay by 30 March 2027 to secure your place at the best rate. Seats are limited to 550 delegates and are reserved only once fees are paid in full.

Student

Student Rate

Valid student ID required at registration
Ghanaian / Local
GHC 2,500
/ $225 USD
Group (3+): GHC 2,200 / $200
Foreign / International
$370
USD
Group (3+): $330 USD
Register as Student
Professional

Professional Rate

Working professionals and non-students
Ghanaian / Local
GHC 3,500
/ $315 USD
Group (3+): GHC 3,200 / $285
Foreign / International
$440
USD
Group (3+): $400 USD
Register as Professional

All Delegate Packages Include

Summit access to all sessions, keynotes & workshops
Tailored Career Guidance & Mentorship
Professional CV Writing (written for you)
Fee discount towards a Masters in Europe
YoungTalk TEDx-style segment
African Youth General Assembly (Model AU)
Awards Dinner with dignitaries
Graduation Certificate
Exclusive summit merchandise
Networking with 550 delegates from 40+ countries
Summit Invitation Letter
Tips to Raise Funds Guide
Visa Support & Guidance

Standard Full Delegate Rates

Standard Full rates apply to delegates who register or fail to complete payment after the Early Bird deadline of 30 March 2027. If you applied at the Early Bird Discount Rate but did not pay by this date, you will be moved to Standard Full rates. You still receive the same full summit experience with all the benefits listed above.

Ghanaian Student
GHC 3,500
Ghanaian Professional
GHC 4,500
Foreign Student
$450
Foreign Professional
$540

Accommodation is not included in registration fees. Accommodation: $150 USD per delegate for 4 nights (arranged separately).

Student rate eligibility: Applicants selecting student rates must upload a current student ID, enrolment letter, or transcript during registration. Without verification, delegates will be registered at professional rates.

Opportunities

Elevate Your Business & Leadership

Call for Stands

Showcase your products and services at YALS 2027, the biggest gathering of young African leaders, professionals, and changemakers!

Reach 550 attendees
Network with influential decision makers
Boost brand visibility at a premier event
Register for a Stand

Emmanuel Addo Leadership Scholarship

A prestigious opportunity for young leaders to pursue a degree or master's programme at a European higher education institution with 15% to 20% tuition covered.

Exclusive for YALS 2027 attendees
World class leadership education
Accredited qualification pathway
Apply for Scholarship
Gallery

Images from Past YAL Summits

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YALS 2027 Registration

Join 550 young leaders from 40+ countries in Accra, Ghana. Secure your place now.

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