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 flagship three-day event by The Young Global Leaders Network (YGLN), uniting Africa’s emerging youth leaders to inspire leadership, innovation, and collaboration. It offers a vibrant platform for idea exchange, mentorship, and action on key continental challenges.

YALS features keynote speeches, panels, focus groups, and the African Youth General Assembly (AU Model), empowering youth to influence policy and drive change. Delegates also present papers on leadership, governance, and development, fostering knowledge-sharing and critical dialogue.

Highlights include YoungTalks (a TEDx-style segment), a start-up pitch session for young entrepreneurs, and an awards ceremony honouring youth excellence. With its strong focus on partnership and impact, YALS is shaping the next generation 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
  • YoungTalk: Inspire. Empower. Transform
Deliver a TedX-style talk on leadership & social impact. YoungTalk 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

Arrivals

19 November 2026

Arrival Day

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

Day 1

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 | YoungTalk: Inspire. Empower. Transform

Day 2

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

Day 3

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
  • HIGHLIGHT OF 2021 SUMMIT
  • HIGHLIGHT OF 2019 SUMMIT
  • SUMMIT REGISTRATION FEES SCHEDULE

Partial Funding (Ghanaian/Local 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.

💼 Group/Org Discount: $130 per delegate for 3 or more.

💼 Accommodation: $150 per delegate for 4 nights.

Partial Funding (International 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.

💼 Group/Org Discount: $230 per delegate for 3 or more.

💼 Accommodation: $150 per delegate for 4 nights

Self-Funding (Ghanaian/Local 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.

💼 Group/Org Discount: $180 per delegate for 3 or more.

💼 Accommodation: $150 per delegate for 4 nights.

$350

Self-Funding (Foreign Delegates)

Full summit package for international participants.

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.

💼 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.

  • 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 a 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
apply for scholarship

Images of YAL Summit 2021
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