By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia – June 9, 2025 – A distinguished lineup of African and international leaders today called upon young people across the continent to take bold steps in shaping Africa’s future by driving economic development, promoting democratic governance, and championing accountability. This powerful call to action was made during the official opening of the 12th Cohort of the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLSA), held in Monrovia.
The week-long event, organized under the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Potential: Youth Leadership for Economic Development and Political Stability,” has brought together participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Liberia.
Omolara T. Balogun, Head of Policy Influencing and Advocacy at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in Ghana, underscored the growing importance of youth participation in governance. She applauded Naymote Partners for Democratic Development for consistently maintaining YPLSA as a vital platform for nurturing democratic values across Africa.
Alphia Faith Kemokai, Africa Regional Manager at Naymote, also spoke, describing the program as a crucial space for cultural exchange, leadership training, and the building of lasting cross-border networks among young changemakers.
Tititope Tawakkaaltu Anifowoshe, a YPLSA alumna and Director of Programs at the Presidency of Nigeria, urged participants to utilize the platform to deepen their understanding of each other’s national contexts and to foster unity and collaboration across the continent.
Diplomatic figures present at the event echoed strong support for the initiative. The Swedish Ambassador to Liberia encouraged participants to rise above political divides and focus on responsible leadership and self-development. “Freedom of expression comes with responsibility,” the Ambassador stated. “Accountability and standing up for your community must remain a cornerstone of your leadership journey.” Sweden, the Ambassador assured, remains committed to supporting Naymote’s efforts in uniting and empowering the next generation of African leaders.
Ireland’s Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Gerald Considine, commended Liberia’s recent election to the UN Security Council and reaffirmed Ireland’s partnership with Naymote. “Our collaboration with Naymote is critical,” said Ambassador Considine, adding, “We remain committed to supporting Liberia’s young leaders at all levels.”
The UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Christine Umutoni, reminded participants that the training is not only about leadership skills but also about identity, unity, and the powerful role young people play in shaping Africa’s destiny. In the same spirit, EU Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Nano Deprez, urged youth leaders to amplify their voices on critical issues and actively seek representation in decision-making spaces. “Young people must claim their space in leadership,” she declared. “Political representation matters.”
Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Josephine A. Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative to Liberia, hailed Naymote for a decade of nurturing young leaders across the continent. “ECOWAS is proud to be associated with YPLSA,” she noted. “This platform directly supports our Youth Policy and is critical to Africa’s future.” She challenged participants to uphold integrity, reject dishonest political practices, and redefine leadership in Africa. “Africa needs honest, committed, and visionary leaders,” Ambassador Nkrumah stressed. “Change begins with mindset and behavior. Protect your character and lead with purpose.”
The 12th Cohort of YPLSA runs from June 9 to June 13, 2025, at a local hotel in Monrovia. The program aims to equip young leaders from political parties, civil society, and community organizations with the tools and networks needed to make meaningful contributions to Africa’s democratic and development agendas
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