Developing and connecting the leaders of tomorrow
The Young Global Leaders Network empowers young people across Africa, Asia and Europe to lead in public life, business and civil society, with active chapters in more than 25 countries.
Connecting young leaders. Shaping global decisions.
From Ghana, Nigeria, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, DR Congo and Ethiopia to more than 25 other countries, we connect ambitious young leaders to mentoring, skills development, career growth and global opportunities that turn bold ideas into visible impact.
- Young African Leaders Summit and national youth forums
- Leadership training, mentoring and skills-building programmes
- Policy and governance projects linking youth and decision makers
- Active chapters and partners across Africa and the diaspora
Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals
We uphold the principles of the United Nations, the African Union and the eight Africa Regional Economic Communities.
Transforming the future of African youth
Too many young people face unemployment, limited opportunity and little access to mentors or decision makers. We exist to change that story.
Youth Employment & Enterprise
Practical programmes that help young Africans create jobs and build businesses that last.
Women's Leadership & Voice
Moving young women from the margins into real positions of influence across every sector.
Active Citizenship & Accountability
Linking young people with decision makers so they can serve their communities and shape policy.
Masterclass replays & summit highlights
Catch up on our latest masterclasses and relive the energy of the Young African Leaders Summit in Accra.
Where we are headed by 2035 to 2040
Paid members
A global dues-paying community engaged in leadership and enterprise.
Women empowered
Leadership, financial literacy and venture support.
Decent jobs enabled in Africa
Employment through Afric Youth in Agriculture and partners.
Leaders mentored
Structured six-month cohorts with clear outcomes.
Programme beneficiaries
Training, volunteering and project work.
Start-ups and SMEs
Kickstart Innovation Hub support from idea to scale.
In their own words
YGLN has been a blessing to me in public speaking, entrepreneurship training and networking with successful people who have made an impact in my life. YGLN is truly shaping lives and empowering the youth.
The summit helped us recruit even more young journalists who now contribute positive stories from their countries to our platform. There could not have been a better place to find like-minded youth.
An opportunity to meet, connect and network with some of Africa's greatest minds in business and politics. Meeting the former President of Ghana, H.E. John Kufuor, was the major highlight.
Recent news from the network
Women Lead Initiative plans a full programme for 2027
Read article →Fellow Membership: what you get for USD 100 a year
Read article →Nominations open soon for the 40 Most Inspirational Female Leaders in Ghana
Read article →NextGen Coffee Networking Social set for 9 January 2027 in East Legon
Read article →Young African Leaders Summit returns to Accra in 2027
Read article →YGLN granted Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council
Read article →Fellow Members get training, mentoring and real opportunities to serve and influence
- Leadership certification and the free online Fellowship programme
- Six months of group mentorship and a member directory profile
- UN delegation applications through our ECOSOC status
