CoSPAL Convenes African Youth Town Hall, Launches Policy Brief on Youth Representation and Open Calls for 2026 Legislative Mentorship Initiative Applications

Held under the global 2026 International Youth Day theme, "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations," the Town Hall served as both a platform for candid dialogue and a milestone moment for CoSPAL's youth agenda, anchored around three key outcomes: 1) the official presentation of a new continental policy brief; 2) an interactive dialogue on legislative reform; and, 3) the launch of the 2026 LMI Call for Applications.

Policy Brief Puts Data Behind the Advocacy

A central highlight of the event was the official presentation of the CoSPAL/LMI Policy Brief on the ‘’State of Youth Representation in African Parliaments.’’ The publication offers an evidence-based assessment of youth participation across African legislatures, identifying persistent structural barriers to young people's political advancement alongside practical, actionable recommendations for reform.

Presenting the brief, Ms. Solape Sonuga, Director of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative and Deputy Chief of Staff at CoSPAL, described it as "a mirror held up to our institutions, one that shows us honestly where progress has been made, where the gaps remain, and what must change."

A Call to Prepare, Not Just Elect, Young Leaders

In his opening remarks, Amb. 'Dapo Oyewole, Secretary-General of CoSPAL, encouraged legislative leaders across the continent to treat leadership development with the same rigour as any other critical profession. “Africa’s youth cannot afford to be powerless characters in the story of our continent; you must be the authors of Africa’s story," he told participants."Let us ensure that Africa’s young people are not only seen, but heard; not only celebrated, but empowered; not only hopeful, but trained and equipped to lead us into a more glorious future." His remarks framed the Legislative Mentorship Initiative's core philosophy that meaningful youth representation depends not only on access to political office, but on deliberate, structured preparation for it.

From Observers to Participants: Voices from the Dialogue

The interactive dialogue session gave young leaders in the room a direct opportunity to challenge institutions to move beyond symbolic inclusion. Delivering the keynote address, Maryam Bukar, first‐ever United Nations Global Advocate for Peace and Security, urged parliaments to open genuine pathways for youth participation: "Young people should not just sit in the gallery watching democracy happen — we should be in the chamber, shaping it." Her remarks captured a recurring theme of the Town Hall: that youth engagement with African legislatures must move from passive observation to active participation.

Representing Hon. Henry Nwawuba, Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library Trust Fund, was Dr. Mathew Coker, Special Assistant on Research & Strategy, who reaffirmed the Trust Fund's commitment to the partnership: "The National Assembly Library Trust Fund is proud to stand behind the Legislative Mentorship Initiative. Preparing young people for the responsibilities of legislative leadership is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our democracy."

Goodwill messages were also delivered by other institutional partners of the Initiative. Mrs. Abisoye da Rocha-Afodu, Special Assistant on International Cooperation and Educational Development, Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives, said: "The Office of the Speaker remains firmly committed to nurturing the next generation of legislative leaders. Initiatives like LMI are central to building a National Assembly that reflects the country it serves."

Ms. Adeola Olayinka, Group Manager, Leadership Advancement Foundation (LEAF) and Member of the LMI Planning & Advisory Committee, echoed this commitment: "LEAF is proud to stand alongside CoSPAL and the LMI as partners in this work. Investing in young people's readiness for leadership is one of the most consequential investments any institution can make in Africa's future."

Launch of the 2026 LMI Call for Applications

The event culminated in the official launch of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative 5th Cohort Call for Applications, opening a new pathway for young Africans to gain structured mentorship and hands-on exposure within legislative institutions. The programme continues to be supported by key institutional partners, including the Office of the Speaker, National Assembly Library Trust Fund, and the Leadership Advancement Foundation (LEAF), all of whom were recognised during the event for their sustained partnership with the Initiative.

Closing Remarks: A Call to Action

Delivering the closing remarks, Dr. Kutyyi Ango-Dada, Coordinator of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI), urged young people in the room and watching online to take up the opportunity now open before them: "This is the moment to move from conversation to action. If you have ever doubted whether there is a place for you in these institutions, let this be your answer — apply now. The 5th Cohort is waiting for you."