AFRICA YOUTH ECONOMIC FORUM (AYEF) 2026: Innovation, Inclusion, Resilience and Economic Transformation
Dr Pedzisai Ndagurwa, Senior Lecturer in Demography and Population Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand, represented the Inclusive Society Institute (ISI) at the Africa Youth Economic Forum (AYEF) 2026, held at the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand on 10–11 September 2026.
Convened under the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Youth Dividend: Innovation, Inclusion, Resilience and Economic Transformation”, the Forum brought together young Africans, policymakers, parliamentarians, development institutions, academics, investors, civil society and private sector representatives to explore the role of young people in Africa’s economic transformation.
Drawing on ISI’s recently completed demographic research, Dr Ndagurwa delivered a plenary presentation examining whether Africa’s youthful population constitutes a demographic dividend. He explored the implications of demographic trends for youth participation, economic inclusion and the continent’s development prospects. He also participated as a panellist in Plenary I, “Youth at the Table: Shaping Africa’s Economic Governance Architecture”.
Dr Ndagurwa’s participation brought an evidence-based demographic perspective to the discussions, contributing to the broader dialogue on how Africa can translate its youthful population into meaningful economic opportunities and lasting development gains.
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