THE ALL AFRICA YOUTH CONGRESS ACCRA 2022

A peaceful and secure Africa requires an empowered generation of youth who are committed to the holistic transformation of their countries and continent. To achieve this, there is a need for a campaign that invests in the youth in Africa and rekindles the spirit of the Pan-African Movement as it was in 1945, spearheaded by Africa’s young people. The All Africa Youth Congress (AAYC) is an initiative of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) to facilitate this much-needed continental Youth Campaign on African patriotism. The Campaign is mobilized under the theme Africa: My Home. My Future. and endeavors to increase awareness on the tremendous potential of and opportunities for the African young people in the continent, inspire them to be patriotic to their countries and Africa, and utilize their talents and gifts towards building a thriving continent. The All Africa Youth Congress held at the Pentecostal Convention Center in Accra, Ghana, in 2022 marked the official launch of this campaign. The congress was attended by 1,000 young people, from across Africa and the Diaspora.
Ghana was chosen to host the first All Africa Youth Congress for two important reasons. Firstly, the country is home to one of the prominent Pan-Africanists, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of the Republic of Ghana. He was one of the pioneers of the Pan-African Movement and a founding Father of the Organization of African Unity. Secondly, Ghana is currently rated as one of the most peaceful, democratic, and hospitable nations in the continent.

Congress conversations tailored around four thematic areas:

•  Youth and African Patriotism: This was about celebrating African arts, culture, and heritage. This session also focused on promoting an education system that decolonizes the African youth while unlocking their potential for innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
• Active Citizenship: Activities and discussions on this thematic area on youth meaningful participation in governance, politics, and major decision-making processes. It also featured dialogues on building a new generation of transparent and accountable Pan Africa leaders in all African countries.
• Peace and Security: Conversations and activities here focused on eradicating all forms of inequality and injustice that cause violent- conflicts in Africa. Topics such as mitigation of human trafficking, confronting climate change, silencing the guns, and responding to debt crisis were discussed
•  African Dignity: At the Congress, the discussions under this thematic area addressed inequality and discrimination against people with disabilities, overcoming xenophobia, racism, religious persecution, Afrophobia, and harmful traditional practices on addition to promoting holistic health and Wellness (mental, physical, spiritual, financial). Activities during the congress included plenary discussions, exhibitions, side events (hosted by interested organizations), and worship and prayer sessions.

Dates
30 th October – 5 th November 2022

Venue
Pentecostal Convention Center, Accra, Ghana