This session will bring together key players working on initiatives around youth empowerment in the internet governance space to discuss how young people can actively contribute to shaping Africa’s digital policies. As the internet becomes increasingly central to Africa’s development, it is essential that young voices are not just included but positioned as leaders in the conversation. Youth have a unique vantage point, being both the most engaged users of digital tools and the primary drivers of technological innovation. Their involvement in policy discussions is key to creating solutions that address the real challenges faced by African societies.

The session will tackle the barriers that often prevent youth from meaningful participation in Internet governance processes, such as limited access to resources, lack of awareness, and the complexities of engaging with policy at a high level. Speakers from the Internet Society, the Pan-African Ambassadors on Internet Governance (PAYAIG), Youth IGFs, and other leading youth initiatives will share insights on how to create more opportunities for young Africans to influence digital policy. Practical examples from successful youth-led initiatives will be presented, demonstrating how young people have shaped key policy outcomes in areas like digital inclusion, online rights, and internet freedom.

We will also explore the growing opportunities for capacity building, with a focus on how to empower young people to engage in Internet governance at national and regional levels. By equipping youth with the knowledge and skills to navigate policy spaces, we can ensure that their contributions go beyond advocacy and translate into actionable, sustainable outcomes. This session will emphasize the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, showcasing the essential role of youth in creating an inclusive, future-ready digital governance framework for Africa.

Through this interactive session, participants will gain practical strategies, build stronger networks, and come away with a clearer understanding of how to strengthen youth involvement in Internet governance across Africa. The goal is to move beyond dialogue and take concrete steps toward making the internet a space where young Africans can fully participate in shaping their digital future.

Objectives of the session:
- Showcase the role of young Africans as critical stakeholders in internet governance, ensuring their perspectives are integrated into policy-making processes.
- Discuss practical solutions for addressing the challenges that prevent young people from fully engaging in internet governance, such as lack of resources and policy awareness.
- Explore strategies to equip young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to influence Internet governance at national, regional, and global levels.
- Encourage stronger partnerships between youth, governments, civil society, and the private sector to foster an inclusive and forward-looking digital governance framework.
- Move beyond discussion by developing concrete steps that youth can take to actively engage in Internet governance processes and influence digital policies in their countries and regions.