20

November, 2026

  • Accra, Ghana

The Africa we want by 2040; The Future of African Youth

  • 3rd Edition - Accra-Ghana

The Young African Leaders Summit (YALS) is a premier three-day event fostering leadership, innovation, and collaboration among Africa’s emerging youth leaders. An initiative of The Young Global Leaders Network (YGLN), YALS provides a dynamic platform for young changemakers to exchange ideas and tackle key challenges facing Africa.

YALS offers impactful networking, professional development, and thought leadership. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, focus groups, and mentorship, attendees gain insights and tools for driving change. The African Youth General Assembly (AU Model Conference) empowers youth to shape policy and contribute to continental development. Additionally, research presentations on leadership, governance, and youth development foster knowledge exchange.

A key highlight, AfriTalks, features TedX-style talks from thought leaders on leadership, empowerment, and social impact. Entrepreneurs can pitch start-up ideas to investors. The summit concludes with an awards ceremony honouring outstanding African youth. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, YALS drives partnerships that inspire transformative action across Africa.

Join us in shaping the future of African leadership.

  • Share Your Research & Ideas
Are you passionate about leadership, governance, and youth development? The Young African Leaders Summit (YALS) invites scholars, researchers, and thought leaders to present groundbreaking research, case studies, or policy papers. This is your chance to share insights, engage in critical discussions, and contribute to shaping Africa’s future.
 
Showcase Your Research
Be Part of the African Youth Manifesto
Apply Now
  • AfriTalks: Inspire. Empower. Transform
Deliver a TedX-style talk on leadership & social impact. AfriTalks is an electrifying TedX-style segment at YALS, where bold thinkers, innovators, and emerging leaders deliver compelling short talks on leadership, empowerment, and social impact.
 
Captivate an Audience of Future Leaders
Share Transformative Ideas & Experiences
Apply Now
  • Summit Schedule
  • 19 - 23 November 2026
  • Accra, Ghana

Arrival

19 November 2026

Arrival Day

  • Delegates’ arrival and check-in
  • Registration & Summit materials collection

1st Day

20 November 2026

Opening & Networking

  • 09:30 – 10:00 | Morning Networking Session
  • 10:00 – 10:30 | Welcome Address
  • 10:30 – 11:00 | Solidarity Messages from Delegations
  • 11:00 – 11:30 | Cultural Performance & Interlude – Cultural Display
  • 11:30 – 12:30 | Keynote Speeches & Guest Addresses
  • 12:30 – 13:30 | Break (Lunch & Networking)
  • 13:30 – 15:00 | Plenary Sessions
  • 15:00 – 16:00 | Workshops (Parallel Sessions) – Practical Deep Dives
  • 16:00 – 17:30 | AfriTalks: Inspire. Empower. Transform

2nd Day

21 November 2026

Leadership, Policy & Diplomacy

  • 09:30 – 10:00 | Morning Networking Session & Icebreakers
  • 10:00 – 11:30 | Plenary Sessions
  • 11:30 – 12:30 | Workshops (Parallel Sessions) – Hands-on Skill Building
  • 12:30 – 14:00 | Breakout Mentorship Sessions (Choose One Focus Area)
  • 14:00 – 15:20 | Model African Union Conference
  • 15:20 – 16:20 | Presentation of Workshop Outcomes (Findings & Summary)
  • 16:20 – 17:50 | Share Your Research & Ideas (Share Your Paper Presentation)
  • 18:00 – 20:00 | Bonfire Chats & Evening Networking

3rd Day

22 November 2026

Tour, Awards & Closing

  • 06:00 – 09:00 | Morning Networking Session, Exercises & Games
  • 11:00 – 18:00 | Tour & Courtesy Call
  • 18:00 – 19:00 | Break (Participants Freshen Up & Change for Awards Ceremony)
  • 19:00 – 21:00 | Awards Ceremony & Dinner

Final Day

23 November 2026

Departure Day

  • Departure of Delegates

ELEVATE YOUR BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP AT YALS 26

Call for Stands – Exhibit at YALS 2026!
🚀 Showcase Your Business at the Young African Leaders Summit 2026!

Take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to showcase your products and services at YALS 2026—the biggest gathering of young African leaders, professionals, and changemakers! 
Why Exhibit? 
✅ Reach 1,000+ attendees – Young leaders, policymakers, investors, and industry professionals 
✅ Sell and promote your products/services to a high-impact audience 
✅ Network with influential decision-makers from across Africa and beyond 
✅ Boost brand visibility at a premier leadership event 
Register for a Stand

The Emmanuel Addo Leadership Scholarship
🎓 Attend YALS 2026 & Earn a 60% Scholarship!

The Emmanuel Addo Leadership Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity for young leaders to pursue a degree or master’s programme at an European higher education institution with 60% tuition covered.
Why Apply? 
✅ Exclusive opportunity for YALS 2026 attendees 
✅ Gain world-class leadership education in business, politics, and diplomacy 
✅ Access prestigious mentorship & networking opportunities 
✅ Advance your career with an accredited qualification 
 
🌟 Who Can Apply? 
This scholarship is open to exceptional young leaders, professionals, and changemakers who attend the Young African Leaders Summit 2026 and demonstrate a passion for leadership and innovation. 
📩 Register for YALS & Apply for the Scholarship Now!
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP
  • HIGHLIGHT OF 2021 SUMMIT
  • HIGHLIGHT OF 2019 SUMMIT
  • SUMMIT REGISTRATION FEES SCHEDULE

Partial Funding (Ghanaian Delegates)

Essential access for emerging leaders on a budget.

$150

What You Get:

  • Summit Invitation Letter – For visa and sponsorship purposes.
  • Tips to Raise Funds – A guide to help you secure funding.
  • Visa Support – Guidance and documents to assist with visa application.
  • Speaking Opportunity – Share your ideas or lead a session.
  • Graduation Certification – Official certificate recognising your participation.
  • Merchandise – Exclusive summit-branded souvenirs.
  • Dinner Night – Formal dinner with ambassadors, ministers, and dignitaries
  • Accommodation: Excluded
  • Flight Cost: Excluded
  • Group/Org Discount: $130 per delegate for 3 or more.
  • Accommodation: $150 per delegate for 4 nights.

Partial Funding (Foreign Delegates)

Essential access for emerging leaders on a budget.

$260

What You Get:

  • Summit Invitation Letter – For visa and sponsorship purposes.
  • Tips to Raise Funds – A guide to help you secure funding.
  • Visa Support – Guidance and documents to assist with visa application.
  • Speaking Opportunity – Share your ideas or lead a session.
  • Graduation Certification – Official certificate recognising your participation.
  • Merchandise – Exclusive summit-branded souvenirs.
  • Dinner Night – Formal dinner with ambassadors, ministers, and dignitaries
  • Accommodation: Excluded
  • Flight Cost: Excluded
  • Group/Org Discount: $230 per delegate for 3 or more.
  • Accommodation: $150 per delegate for 4 nights.

Self-Funding (Ghanaian Delegates)

Full summit experience tailored for Ghanaian based participants.

$200

What You Get:

  • Summit Invitation Letter – For sponsorship and visa application support.
  • Tips to Raise Funds – Resource to help you raise participation funds.
  • Visa Support – Full assistance with visa documents and guidance.
  • Speaking Opportunity – Showcase your work or lead a session.
  • Graduation Certification – Receive official recognition of participation.
  • Summit Access – Entry to all summit sessions and workshops.
  • Merchandise – Exclusive summit-branded souvenirs.
  • Dinner Night – High Table networking with top dignitaries.
  • Media Interviews & Photos – Be featured and professionally photographed.
  • Accommodation: Excluded
  • Flight Cost: Excluded
  • Group/Org Discount: $180 per delegate for 3 or more.
  • Accommodation: $150 per delegate for 4 nights.

Self-Funding (Foreign Delegates)

Full summit package for international participants.

$350

What You Get:

  • Summit Invitation Letter – For visa and sponsorship needs.
  • Tips to Raise Funds – Practical guide to raise financial support.
  • Visa Support – Full help with required visa documentation.
  • Speaking Opportunity – Take the stage or lead a workshop.
  • Graduation Certification – Earn an official summit certificate.
  • Summit Access – Join all events, sessions, and workshops.
  • Merchandise – Summit-branded items to take home.
  • Dinner Night – Network with top-level leaders and guests.
  • Media Interviews & Photos – Professional visibility and memories.
  • Accommodation: Excluded
  • Flight Cost: Excluded
  • Group/Org Discount: $310 per delegate for 3 or more.
  • Accommodation: $150 per delegate for 4 nights.
  • Please note: Accommodation is not included in the summit registration fees. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own accommodation expenses

REGISTER AS 2026 DELEGATE

We seek to be Africa’s leading gathering of Young African Leaders that empowers, trains and prepare young leaders for continental and global leadership.
REGISTER NOW
  • SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST

Sign up to our mailing list to keep up to date with Young African Leaders Summit News

You cannot copy content of this page