Djibouti, 5 November 2025 — The Ministry of Youth and Culture of Djibouti has officially launched the 5th Pan-African Youth Forum, bringing together more than 500 young leaders, innovators and policymakers from 55 African countries for a three-day conference.
The forum, which opened on Tuesday, coincides with National and African Youth Day. The gathering aims to strengthen youth participation in economic development, governance and continental cooperation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Youth and Culture Minister Hibo Moumin Assoweh said youth are essential to Africa’s long-term development and must play a leading role in achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“Youth and culture are at the heart of Africa’s renaissance,” the minister said. “Young Africans are not passive beneficiaries, but active drivers of change who can turn aspirations into concrete progress.”
She noted that while Africa faces major challenges — including climate change and demographic pressure — the energy and innovation of young people can help transform these challenges into development opportunities.
“With talent, commitment and boldness, youth can translate vision into action,” Assoweh added.
This year’s forum is held under the theme “From Aspiration to Action: Youth, Catalysts for Sustainable Development.”
According to the ministry, the event provides a platform for youth and decision-makers to collaborate on ideas, build long-term partnerships, and support African-led solutions to continental challenges.
The Pan-African Youth Forum, first launched in Lomé, Togo in 2016, aims to empower young people and strengthen regional unity. Djibouti says hosting this edition underscores its commitment to youth development and continental cooperation.
