In the vibrant halls of Nairobi’s Kenya School of Government (KSG), a wave of youthful energy swept across continents on October 29, 2025. The 4th Africa-Asia Youth Forum (AAYF), co-hosted by O-YES Global Foundation and Education for Africa (EFA), transformed into a melting pot of ideas, cultures, and ambitions. Under the compelling theme “Youth as Drivers of Peace, Innovation, and Economic Growth in Africa and Asia,” 263 delegates from over 15 countries converged—physically and virtually (with over 700 online participants)—to forge solutions for shared global challenges.
From Korean cultural performances to dynamic panel discussions on climate action and youth migration, the forum wasn’t just an event; it was a catalyst for real change, echoing EFA’s mission to empower marginalized communities through education, governance, and sustainable livelihoods.
Opened by H.E. Kang Hyung-Shik, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya, the gathering symbolized the deepening ties between Africa and Asia. As Prof. Mohamed Abdinoor Dahir, EFA’s Executive Director, later shared on X, “Successfully concluded the 4th Africa-Asia Youth Forum-AAYF 2025… See you at the 5th and 6th in 2026!”—hinting at the forum’s growing momentum.
Highlights: What Made AAYF 2025 Shine
Despite financial hurdles, the forum’s execution was a masterclass in resilience and collaboration, aligning with EFA’s values of accountability and excellence. Key successes included:
- Seamless Planning and Venue Excellence: The KSG provided a welcoming, well-equipped space, complete with high-quality meals and hospitality that left participants raving. Teamwork between O-YES and EFA ensured sessions ran smoothly, showcasing dedication that turned constraints into triumphs.
- Diverse and Inclusive Participation: Delegates from Africa and Asia, including a vibrant Korean youth group, brought rich perspectives. Civil society organizations (CSOs), youth networks, and partners like UNDP, RACIDA, KSG, and AEDT amplified voices from the ground up. As RACIDA’s CEO Mohamoud Duale noted, the event reframed “brain drain” as “brain circulation,” emphasizing youth’s role in building resilient local economies.
- Engaging Program and Cultural Vibes: Insightful panels featured diverse experts discussing leadership and development, while cultural acts by Korean youth and Mzizi Africa celebrated unity. MCs kept the energy high, and live streaming by Frontier Online reached a global audience. Rapporteurs delivered a professional event report, capturing the day’s essence.
These elements not only fostered dialogue but also embodied EFA’s theory of change: empowering youth with skills to drive good governance and prosperity.
Lessons Learned: Paving the Way for Even Greater Impact
No triumph is without reflection. The report candidly highlights areas for improvement to refine future editions:
- Early Planning and Program Design: Originally a two-day event with a cultural night, budget constraints condensed it to one day, affecting some sessions. Starting preparations earlier and finalizing agendas with clear timelines could prevent this.
- Registration and Logistics Tweaks: No-shows and unexpected arrivals caused seating hiccups, while name tags and gift bags ran short. A stricter confirmation system and contingency plans are recommended. Similarly, awards for absent guests led to unnecessary costs—future confirmations will be key.
- Media, Time, and Budget Management: Media coverage from outlets like KTN and NTV fell short despite efforts; a dedicated social media team could boost hashtags and visibility. Sessions overran, merging panels, and the turnout exceeded 200 expectations, overshooting the budget. Better timekeeping, multiple catering points, and transport communication will smooth these.
These insights reflect EFA’s commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement, ensuring events like AAYF evolve effectively.
Opportunities Ahead: Building Bridges for Tomorrow
The forum wasn’t just talk—it sparked actionable networks and collaborations:
- Networking Powerhouse: Youth leaders, policymakers, and partners connected, highlighting cross-border potential. EFA’s partnership with O-YES exemplified this, with new ties to UNDP Somalia, KSG, and RACIDA.
- Future Horizons: The 5th AAYF is set for Istanbul, with EFA mobilizing a Kenyan delegation. Plans include working with five Kenyan counties (Nairobi, Nakuru, Makueni, Nandi, Tana River) and exploring AFROCINA collaborations with China. As one participant shared, “This forum bridges continents, fostering ideas for transformation.”
These opportunities align with EFA’s vision of nurturing leaders who impact communities, fostering self-reliance through economic ventures and technology.
Conclusion: A Beacon for Africa’s Future
AAYF 2025 stood as a testament to youth’s transformative power, overcoming challenges to deliver inspiration and synergy. As EFA continues its work in education, youth empowerment, governance, climate action, peacebuilding, and advocacy, events like this propel their mission: breaking poverty cycles and building an inclusive Africa. With lessons in hand and partnerships strengthened, the forum’s legacy will echo in future editions—proving that when youth unite, continents thrive. Join EFA in this journey; the next chapter awaits.