Midrand, South Africa – 10-11 November 2025 – The 5th APRM Youth Symposium, held both virtually and in-person at the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa, brought together emerging leaders, policymakers, civil society actors, and development partners under the theme “Youth in Governance: From Promise to Prosperity.” The Symposium strengthened continental momentum toward embedding youth voices at every level of governance. This year’s gathering offered a dynamic platform for dialogue, action, and innovation, reaffirming the significant potential of African youth and their role in shaping Africa’s governance.
Opening messages from the Pan-African Parliament Youth Caucus, the Pan-African Youth Union, and AUDA-NEPAD reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to meaningful youth inclusion. Leaders underscored the necessity of creating formal avenues for young people to influence policy, democratic processes, and institutional reform.
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Marie-Antoinette Rose-Quatre, CEO of the APRM Continental Secretariat, called for governance models that fully integrate youth perspectives, emphasising transparency, innovation, and intergenerational cooperation. Supportive remarks by Hon. Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, Minister for the Public Service and Administration and APRM Focal Point for the Republic of South Africa along with Dr. Bernice Hlagala, Chief Director in the South African Presidency for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, both echoed similar sentiments, stressing the role of youth as leaders of today, not of tomorrow only. They called for meaningful youth engagement in governance, with young people actively shaping policies and driving Africa’s transformation.
Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira, President of the Pan-African Parliament, further emphasised the critical role of national and continental institutions in promoting youth participation. Other senior African statespersons, including H.E. Vincent Angelin Meriton, former Vice President of Seychelles, and Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former Chairperson of the African Union
Commission, added strategic insights on emerging political trends, digital citizenship, and the growing influence of Generation Z. Their contributions reinforced the need for governance systems that respond to shifting social and technological realities.
A major highlight of the Symposium was the launch of the African Governance Report 2025 Youth Perception Survey, presented by the APRM Continental Secretariat. The findings offer an in-depth look at young Africans’ views on governance, providing data to inform policy reform and institutional alignment across Participating States.
During the two-day event, delegates participated in high-level dialogues, thematic panels, and youth-led exchanges on long-term governance stability, leadership development, civic education, e-governance, peace and security, and mental health. An intergenerational dialogue showcased shared priorities for accelerating reform and strengthening institutional responsiveness. Day two also marked the official launch of the APRM Communicators’ Network, an initiative designed to enhance outreach efforts, promote transparency, and improve public access to governance information across the continent. Participants further explored the role of digital communication in countering misinformation during a panel on governance and media, followed by a live podcast session with former leaders and youth representatives.
In a significant step toward expanding collaboration on governance and human rights, the APRM Continental Secretariat and the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the sidelines of the Symposium.
The event culminated in the presentation of the Symposium Outcome Document, a comprehensive set of recommendations that affirms the collective determination to accelerate youth-driven governance reforms across the continent. Closing the Symposium, Ambassador Rose-Quatre thanked participants for their robust engagement and reiterated the APRM’s dedication to elevating youth perspectives within Africa’s governance architecture.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact: APRM Continental Secretariat at info@aprm-au.org.
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