In a momentous blend of diplomacy and shared vision, on the historic occasion of the 4357th Korean National Foundation Day—celebrated on October 3 as Gaecheonjeol, marking the legendary founding of Korea—Education for Africa’s (EFA) Executive Director, Prof. Mohamed Abdinoor Dahir, met with H.E. Hyung-shik Kang, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya. This pivotal discussion, held in Nairobi, focused on preparations for what would become a landmark event: the Africa-Asia Youth Forum (AAYF) 2025, hosted at the Kenya School of Government on October 29-30, 2025.
Picture this: Two leaders from vastly different worlds uniting under the banner of youth empowerment. Prof. Dahir, steering EFA’s mission to transform Africa’s destiny through education and innovation, and Ambassador Kang, representing Korea’s powerhouse legacy of rapid development and global collaboration. Their meeting wasn’t just protocol—it was a spark for cross-continental synergy, emphasizing how ambitious partnerships can drive peace, innovation, and economic growth.
EFA, a non-profit powerhouse dedicated to empowering citizens with dignity and purpose, has long championed access to quality education for underprivileged children, economic empowerment, youth mentorship, civic education, good governance, and human rights. As outlined in EFA’s vision—”Transforming Africa’s Destiny: Empowering Lives, Inspiring Change, Nurturing Future Generations”—this collaboration aligned perfectly with their theory of change: creating conducive learning environments, equipping young people with life skills, and empowering marginalized communities to foster informed societies that promote national prosperity.
The excitement built as Ambassador Kang graciously accepted the invitation to deliver the keynote address at AAYF 2025. His participation symbolized Korea’s unwavering commitment to youth-led initiatives and Africa-Asia ties, drawing from Korea’s own journey from post-war recovery to a global innovation hub. “This forum reflects our shared belief in the power of young minds to bridge divides and build sustainable futures,” one could imagine the Ambassador echoing, as the event later proved.
Fast forward to October 29-30: AAYF 2025 exploded into action under the theme “Youth as Drivers of Peace, Innovation, and Economic Growth in Africa and Asia.” Co-hosted by EFA and organized by the O-YES Global Foundation, the forum drew 250 in-person delegates and over 700 virtual participants from across continents. Young leaders converged at the Kenya School of Government, diving into discussions on climate action, youth migration, AI revolution, industrial growth, and sustainable development.
Ambassador Kang’s keynote set an electrifying tone, inspiring attendees to reframe challenges like “brain drain” into “brain circulation”—encouraging diaspora investments and knowledge transfers back home. Highlights included RACIDA’s recognition for youth empowerment efforts, with their CEO Mohamoud Duale emphasizing resilient local economies. Participants like Salma Hashim shared how the event bridged continents, fostering ideas for transformation.
Prof. Dahir later reflected on the forum’s success: “Successfully concluded the 4th Africa-Asia Youth Forum-AAYF 2025… See you at the 5th and 6th in 2026!” This wasn’t just an event; it was a movement, aligning with EFA’s values of sincerity, professionalism, accountability, sustainability, and excellence. By nurturing leaders and innovators, EFA continues to forge paths toward a prosperous, inclusive Africa.
As echoes of AAYF 2025 ripple across borders, it’s clear: When Africa and Asia unite through youth, the future isn’t just bright—it’s revolutionary. Stay tuned for more from EFA, and join the journey to empower the next generation.