On 8 November 2024, the EAC, the East African Youth Ambassadors’ Platform, and the East African Youth Network, with the support of GIZ’s LIFTED project co-funded by the EU, convened the East African Youth Forum to review the EAC Youth Policy. Held at the East African Legislative Assembly Chamber as part of the YouLead Summit 2024, the forum welcomed over 200 youth leaders and policymakers, among other stakeholders, to promote youth engagement in policy development and regional integration under the theme, “Empowering Youth Voices for the Future of the East African Community”
The forum highlighted youth contributions to shaping a responsive, future-orientated EAC policy, aligning it with the region’s vision for inclusive growth and integration. During the forum, EAC representatives, Ms. Generose Minani, Principal Gender and Community Development Officer, and Mr David Onen, Principal Political Affairs Officer, urged the youth to proactively engage at all levels on this process and ensure that the refined policy reflects their aspirations.
In her remarks, Ms Violet Ayoub, President of the East African Youth Network, emphasised that this was a profound opportunity to address the needs, challenges, and ambitions of the youth and define responsive and impactful strategies.
On her part, Ms. Neema Bwaira, representative of the European Union Delegation in Tanzania, noted that the forum was not just about identifying gaps but about seizing opportunities to align youth policy with global, continental, and national frameworks like the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that the youth are equipped to compete, innovate, and thrive on a global stage.
From GIZ’s perspective, Mr. Marius Weist, Component Lead, Organisation Development and Outreach, highlighted that GIZ, through LIFTED, provides opportunities for youth engagement in the policy development process, adding that a regional hackathon has been organised for women and youth to contribute to solving regional economic challenges.
Concluding the discussions, key recommendations to the EAC Secretariat and Partner States were highlighted to inform policy implementation. These include integrating environment conservation and climate change action, mental health, urban agroecology, illegal immigration, and food security issues as part of the new policy. Additionally, the establishment of a youth trade desk at the Secretariat and the Ministries of EAC Affairs, i.e., to improve access to information.
As the EAC celebrates its 25 years of progress, it remains committed to creating an inclusive environment where youth play a central role in shaping regional integration.
Find more information on LIFTED here.