Training Africa’s Next Generation of Political & Civic Leaders
If emerging young politicians and civic leaders are equipped with political knowledge, ethical grounding, strategic tools, and supportive networks, then they will be able to navigate political systems more effectively, ethically, and inclusively, leading to increased youth representation, improved governance practices, and stronger democratic institutions across Africa.
Facilitated by Nobel Laureates, Presidents, and global leaders
Empowering Leaders to Ignite Change
"Building Emerging Young Politicians and Civic Leaders Advancing ethical, accountable, and people-centered leadership across Africa"
50 Alumni Have Contested for National Political Seats | 35+ Appointed to Government & Other Professional Offices
100+ Elected to Leadership Roles
The Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa) is a Pan-African leadership development platform preparing emerging political and civic leaders to strengthen democratic governance across Africa.
Established in Liberia in 2016 by Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, YPLS Africa equips young leaders with political knowledge, ethical frameworks, practical leadership skills, mentorship, peer networks, and opportunities for post-training civic engagement.
Over the past decade, YPLS Africa has grown from a Liberian leadership initiative into a continental network spanning 15 African countries and more than 1,300 alumni. Its graduates are serving in political parties, government, civil society, elected leadership, professional institutions, and communities across Africa.
“A decade of building leadership capacity and democratic impact across Africa.”
1,300 Leaders
trained
15 African Countries
100 Alumni
Internship
YPLSA 2026 FELLOW SPOTLIGHT
PREVIOUS SPEAKERS & FACILITATORS
H.E. Urban Sjostrom
Former Ambassador of Sweden to Liberia and Sierra Leone
Ms. Omolara T. Balogun,
Head, Policy Influencing and Advocacy Unit West Africa Civil Society Institute, (WACSI)
A One-Week Leadership and Political Education Convening
Participants take part in an intensive one-week leadership and political education convening designed around the realities of political and civic leadership in Africa today.
Through expert-led sessions, practical exercises, peer learning, dialogue, and reflection, participants strengthen the knowledge, values, and leadership skills needed to engage effectively in democratic and public life.
Our Learning Focus
YPLS Africa equips emerging political and civic leaders with the knowledge, values, and practical skills to lead effectively in Africa’s changing democratic landscape.
Our learning is organized around four strategic areas:
-
Democratic Governance and Ethical Leadership
-
Political Participation, Power, and Leadership Pathways
-
Civic Engagement, Advocacy, Policy Influence, and Digital Democracy
-
Youth, Peace, Security, and Political Tolerance
_edited_edited.jpg)
Featured Blog Post
Hall of Fame
Our leaders are driving positive change
in their diverse fields
Satta Fatumata Sheriff
.png){kind=small}
Human Rights Advocacy
A Liberian Human Rights Activist, Founder and Executive Director Action for Justice.
-
100 Most Influential Young Africans: 2020
Alhassan Mariam
Political & Public Sector
Founder of Marisky Empowerment Foundation and first female elected in the GbumGbum Electoral Area Assembly in Ghana.
Christopher B. Jones
Technology
Tech Entrepreneur and IT Program Lead at the Liberian Learning Center
-
2026 Top 50 Digital Champion of Africa
-
2021 Global Youth Digital Champion
Lamin Saidykhan
.png){kind=small}
Political & Public Sector
Youth Inclusion Advocate and Founder of the Progressive Democratic Party, The Gambia,
Ernest Duku Jallah
Alumni, Cohort 3
President-Elect, Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY)
Njix Sharon Nabeseh
Alumna, Cohort 12
Multimedia Journalist combating information disorder
Titus B. Pakalah
Human Rights Advocacy
Lead Campaigner, March for Justice, A social movement notable for the End Rape protest in Liberia.
.jpeg)
Adepo Francis
Educationist
National Youth League Chairperson at the Forum for Democratic Change Party, FDC in Uganda
Titilope Anifowoshe
Alumna, Cohort 8
A legal practitioner, writer, social impact strategist, and humanitarian passionate about charity and human rights.
-
2021 recipient of the 100 most outstanding youths in Africa ( Royal African Youth Leadership Award )
Cllr Easter Isaak
Elected Deputy Mayor of Keetmanshoop Municipal Council
After attending the YPLS Africa cohort 9, Easter was elected Deputy Mayor and sworn into office on the 14th of December 2022.
