(Posted 29th June 2026)
Africa Rise Youth Indaba (ARYI) 2026 successfully hosted a high-level virtual policy dialogue on the theme “Policy to Prosperity: Building the World’s Largest Youth Economic Partnership”, in collaboration with the Department of African Studies, University of Delhi, and the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi, India. Convened as a special policy dialogue on migration, youth opportunity, and the future of the Global South, the conference brought together diplomats, scholars, youth leaders, institutional representatives and development practitioners to advance a practical agenda for youth-centred economic transformation.
The dialogue highlighted that Africa’s demographic advantage and India’s youth strength together represent one of the most decisive opportunities for the Global South. Speakers emphasized that young people must not remain passive beneficiaries of policy, but must be recognised as co-creators of development, entrepreneurs, innovators and equal stakeholders in governance, technology, trade, investment and institutional reform.
The programme was directed by Ms. Thelma Wopula, CEO of Alindo International and Lead Global Convenor of PANTRACO. The opening segment featured Mr. Taolo “K4” Africanboy, Ms. Lesedi Rouget, Ms. Zinhle Mdletye, Opening remarks by Prof. A.S. Yaruingam, Head of the Department of African Studies, University of Delhi, and a keynote address by Amb Fikile Hlatshwayo, Founder and Chairperson of ARYI. The opening youth plenary, “What the Next Generation Expects from Africa’s Leaders?”, was moderated by Mr. Lungile Magagula, with Ms. M Naledi Modise, ARYI Youth Leader, Ms. Anushka Srivastava, Research Scholar, Department of African Studies, University of Delhi, Mr. Chris Seagateng, Deputy SG Pan Arica Youth Union, and Dr. Prosper Sotenga, Senior Lecturer Tshwane University of Technology as panelists.
The leadership response plenary on “Democracy, Migration and Economic Inclusion: Securing the Future of the Global South” was moderated by Mr. Charles Farirayi and featured Ms. Mme Mmabatho Makena, SG Africa Women Leaders Network, South Africa, H.E. Linton Mchunu, Africa Union DA-NEPAD, Dr. Samir Bhattacharya, Observer Research Foundation, and Dr. Nivedita Ray, Director Indian Council of World Affairs, India. The intergenerational leadership plenary on building the world’s largest youth economic partnership was moderated by Prof. Chisom Ubabukoh, Professor, Jindal Global University, and included H.E. Amb Tal Edgars, Government Advisor, South Africa, Mr. Tadiwanashe Gondo, President SAYOF, Ms. Nasiphi Nyameni, SIFTCON Strategist, and Ms. Vimbainashe Pari, Director, The Africa Minds for Applied Research Institute. The high-level commitments session was led by Dr. Manish Karmwar, Research Professor, Department of African Studies, University of Delhi, in conversation with Amb. Dr. Alain St. Ange, former Minister of Tourism, Seychelles, and H.E. Santou Dabo, First Counsellor in charge of Economic Affairs, Embassy of the Republic of Guinea in South Africa. Closing remarks were delivered by Mr. Mahesh Bakaya, International Cooperation Specialist.
Across the sessions, participants called for a decisive shift from policy rhetoric to measurable implementation. Key issues included youth unemployment, skills mismatch, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, gender inclusion, migration, local manufacturing, tourism, natural resource beneficiation, entrepreneurship, access to finance, regional integration, and ethical leadership. Speakers stressed that the real test for governments, business, academia, civil society, and development institutions is whether they can unlock youth talent at scale through education, markets, capital, technology, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. The conference also emphasized the strategic importance of the India-Africa partnership in advancing the priorities of the Global South. Participants highlighted that the real challenge is not the absence of policy, but the gap between policy design and implementation. The conference, therefore, called for time-bound roadmaps, measurable indicators, youth-inclusive monitoring mechanisms, and stronger coordination among governments, academia, civil society, the private sector, and international organizations.
A major outcome of ARYI 2026 was the commitment to advance a formal declaration and action-oriented follow-up process for high-level Global South and BRICS-related platforms. The conference concluded with a clear message: the youth of the Global South do not want promises without delivery; they want opportunity, participation, and implementation. The INDABA reaffirmed that the future of prosperity depends on converting youth aspiration into institutions, youth energy into innovation, and youth hope into shared progress. The Africa Rise Youth Indaba 2026 concluded with a strong commitment to continue the dialogue through follow-up discussions, institutional partnerships, declaration-building, and coordinated action. Participants affirmed that the future of the Global South depends on how leaders and institutions can convert youth energy into innovation, youth aspiration into opportunity, and youth hope into shared progress.
