ADAFP African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress
YPLS Young Political Leadership School Africa
A continental platform for young members of political parties across Africa — for learning, shared experience, networking, collaboration and leadership development. Supported and supervised by the ADAFP Secretariat together with the Naymote Young Political Leadership School Africa team.
Two statements, agreed by the founding participants, that everything else in the Forum has to answer to.
A united and empowered generation of young political leaders advancing democratic governance, peace, prosperity and sustainable development across Africa — through platforms such as the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa) and the ADAFP Leadership Training Academy.
To empower young people within political parties across Africa, through YPLS Africa and the ADAFP Leadership Training Academy, to meaningfully influence decision-making, strengthen party institutions and drive democratic transformation.
Every element of the Forum's seal was chosen. Nothing in it is decoration, and the three colours carry through this whole site.
Continental Youth Forum
of Political Parties · CYFPP
Young African political leaders united in learning, networking and leadership.
One objective per colour of the seal, one per clause of the motto. The same pairing is used here, in our documents and in our reporting.
Promote meaningful inclusion of young people in political party structures, leadership roles and decision-making processes through capacity-building initiatives under YPLS Africa and ADAFP training programmes.
Enhance the capacity of young party members to contribute to party organisation, policy formulation and internal democracy through structured political education and leadership training.
Build a continental network of young political leaders trained under YPLS Africa and the ADAFP Leadership Training Academy to exchange experiences, advocate for youth inclusion and drive democratic and social transformation.
The Forum is the network. The training that gives it substance runs through two established institutions.
A leadership school for young party members, bringing participants from across the continent together for structured political education, practical organising and campaign skills, and peer exchange between parties and countries.
The alliance's own training arm, delivering fellowship, women's leadership, youth bootcamp and online tracks for member organisations across the continent.
Fifty-four squares, one for each African country. Lit squares are those already represented in the Forum.
30 countries represented in the Forum24 countries still to reach
The Forum already brings together young members from more than fifty political parties in thirty countries. Its job now is to reach the parties that have no young members in this network yet — and the states still dark on this grid.
Every member is asked to bring one more young party member into the Forum. That is the whole growth plan.
Forum members elect three representatives in each of the six regions. Those eighteen form the Electoral Colleges, and they elect the six-member Management Team from among themselves.
Forum members in each region elect three representatives. Six regions, three each — eighteen electors in all.
The eighteen elect one member for each region. ADAFP and YPLS Africa appoint a seventh.
The six then distribute the six offices among themselves.
Why two stages. A college of eighteen gives every region a bench rather than a single person, spreads the work of running the Forum wider, and means a vacancy can be filled from within the region without returning to a full membership ballot.
Regional representative — to be confirmed.
Regional representative — to be confirmed.
Regional representative — to be confirmed.
Regional representative — to be confirmed.
Regional representative — to be confirmed.
The African Union's sixth region, under Article 3(q) of its Constitutive Act. Representative — to be confirmed.
One seat per party, one seat per country. No political party or country may occupy more than one position on the Management Team. Each region's seat is filled by one of that region's three college members.
A seventh member, appointed not elected. ADAFP and YPLS Africa jointly appoint one further member of the Management Committee, who serves as Project Coordinator. That seat exists so the two institutions that convene the Forum and carry its obligations are represented inside the body that directs it, rather than supervising it from outside. The appointed member holds one vote and takes full part in deliberations, but may not be Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson, and is not counted towards regional representation or the seats reserved for women — except that where the six elected members include only the minimum of two women, the appointed member shall be a woman.
The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson may not be of the same gender. The Management Team must include at least two women, and no gender may hold more than four of the six positions.
Supervises the Forum, provides strategic guidance and ensures compliance with the Alliance's democratic principles. Mentors and coaches Forum members and prepares them for responsible leadership. The Deputy Secretary-General supports the Communications and Digital Engagement Coordinator on the Forum's digital presence.
Provides technical support, and anchors leadership development, mentorship, training and institutional strengthening through the Young Political Leadership School Africa.
Two ballots. Forum members elect their regional college; the college elects the Management Team.
Each party may nominate one candidate for its region’s Electoral College. The letter must be signed by the party leader, secretary general, national chairperson or another duly authorised official.
Parties are strongly encouraged to nominate qualified young women and candidates from underrepresented groups.
An independent Election Committee appointed by the ADAFP Secretariat, supported by YPLS Africa, runs nominations, accreditation, voting, counting and disputes. Its members may not stand or campaign for any candidate.
What the Management Team takes on as soon as it is elected.
Open to young members of political parties across Africa. Registration goes to the ADAFP Secretariat for review.
Complete the form. You will be added to the Forum chatroom and the mailing list for briefings, calls and training announcements.
If your party is not yet part of the alliance, encourage it to register at adafp.org — only accredited parties may nominate candidates and vote in Forum elections.
Invite another young member from your party, or from a party in your country that should be in the Forum.
Forum members are first in line for YPLS Africa cohorts and ADAFP Leadership Training Academy tracks.
For questions about membership, nominations, elections or partnership with the Forum.
