Inclusive Society Institute participates in African Union's 5th APRM Youth Symposium

The Inclusive Society Institute (ISI) took part in the African Union’s 5th APRM Youth Symposium, held from 10–11 November 2025 at the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand. The event brought together young leaders, policymakers and governance institutions from across the continent to reflect on the Symposium’s central theme, “Youth in Governance: From Promise to Prosperity.”

Attending in his capacity as CEO of the Inclusive Society Institute, Mr Daryl Swanepoel welcomed the Symposium’s strong emphasis on meaningful youth participation in Africa’s governance and development agenda. He noted that the APRM had succeeded in creating a platform not only for dialogue, but also for evidence-based engagement on the continent’s most pressing youth issues.

As part of the Institute’s contribution to the event, the ISI partnered with The Ichikowitz Family Foundation to facilitate the presentation of the Africa Youth Survey 2024, a comprehensive study capturing the attitudes, aspirations and concerns of young Africans. The survey’s findings were delivered during a dedicated session of the Symposium, offering delegates a data-driven understanding of youth perspectives on governance, democracy, economic inclusion, peace and security, and digital participation.

Mr Swanepoel underscored the value of grounding youth policy deliberations in rigorous empirical evidence. He reflected that the Survey’s insights, particularly around trust in institutions, expectations of political leaders, and the urgent need for economic opportunity, resonate strongly with the Institute’s ongoing work on inclusive governance and social cohesion. He further emphasised that Africa’s young population represents both the continent’s greatest asset and its greatest responsibility, and that governance systems must evolve to reflect this demographic reality.

The ISI applauds the APRM for advancing a continental conversation centred on youth inclusion and looks forward to continued collaboration with partners to strengthen evidence-based policymaking. The Institute will remain engaged in follow-up processes linked to the Symposium’s outcome document, particularly those aimed at deepening participatory governance and amplifying young people’s voices within Africa’s democratic institutions.

The Inclusive Society Institute extends its appreciation to The Ichikowitz Family Foundation for its partnership and for ensuring that the voices of Africa’s youth, captured through their robust continental research, were heard where it matters most.