On Africa Youth Day, young leaders from the African diaspora in Türkiye came together to celebrate, connect, and strategize around a shared vision: "The Africa We Want." Organized by Bizim Afrika in collaboration with the Consulate of Morocco, this special event aimed to empower youth through meaningful interactions, insightful panels, and practical workshops, all designed to inspire action for Africa’s development. With themes centered on connection, networking, and empowerment, the day offered a platform for diaspora youth to explore how they can become catalysts for change across African communities.

Event Highlights

1. Opening Remarks and Welcome Speech

The program began with a warm welcome, and we were especially honored to have the Consul General of Morocco deliver a powerful opening speech. His words highlighted the importance of diaspora youth in Africa's future, emphasizing the role that unity, collaboration, and global knowledge play in driving sustainable development on the continent. His message set a motivational tone for the day, encouraging participants to embrace their unique perspectives as diaspora youth and leverage these to make a lasting impact.

2. Panel Discussion: From Global to Local – Diaspora Youth as Catalysts for Change

The panel discussion brought together dynamic speakers from various backgrounds, including a PhD candidate entrepreneur, a computer scientist, a health and wellness advocate, and a journalist. Together, they explored how global experiences and knowledge can address local challenges in Africa. The panelists shared their insights on supporting youth activism, promoting positive media narratives, and launching ventures from abroad that solve real problems within African communities.

Key themes discussed:

• Bridging Global and Local Knowledge: How diaspora youth can translate international insights into solutions tailored to African communities.
• Supporting African Youth Activism: The role of advocacy, mentorship, and collaboration in strengthening the youth movement within Africa.
• Media Narratives and Representation: The power of reshaping Africa's story to build a more positive and authentic global image.
• Diaspora-Led Entrepreneurship and Innovation: How diaspora-based initiatives can contribute to social and economic growth on the continent.

Participants left the session empowered with actionable ideas for transforming global knowledge into local impact and inspired to engage with Africa’s challenges in a way that respects local perspectives.

3. Interactive Workshop: Problem Tree Exercise

A highlight of the day was the interactive Problem Tree Workshop, designed to foster collaboration and creative problem-solving among participants. Divided into four groups, attendees tackled the question of how diaspora youth can contribute to Africa’s development, identifying specific barriers, root causes, and solutions.

Workshop Focus Areas:

• Barriers to Diaspora Youth Engagement: The legal, financial, and cultural challenges facing diaspora youth as they try to make an impact in Africa.
• Role of Technology and Digital Platforms: How technology can be leveraged to connect and collaborate across borders.
• Building Awareness and Motivation: Strategies for inspiring and mobilizing the diaspora community to support Africa’s growth.
• Role of Partnerships: How African governments, NGOs, and the diaspora can create impactful collaborations.

The session allowed participants to brainstorm in-depth and connect over shared goals and challenges, resulting in a rich exchange of ideas and fostering new friendships and partnerships.

4. Networking Activities: Speed Networking and Coffee Breaks

Building connections was at the heart of this event, and our structured networking activities were designed to help attendees meet new people, share ideas, and build meaningful relationships. During the speed networking session, participants had short, focused conversations with multiple people, giving everyone a chance to connect quickly and effectively. The coffee breaks provided a more relaxed environment where participants could continue conversations and deepen their connections, fostering a supportive community atmosphere.

5. Open Mic Session: Voices of the Diaspora

The day ended on a high note with an open mic session, where participants had the opportunity to share personal stories, talents, and reflections on African identity and the role of the diaspora in driving change. The relaxed format encouraged authentic expression and allowed participants to showcase their unique perspectives, fostering a sense of belonging and community among everyone in attendance.

Key Takeaways

Africa Youth Day was a resounding success, thanks to the passion, insights, and commitment of all who attended. Each session highlighted the immense potential of diaspora youth to drive Africa’s development, with practical insights on how to leverage global experiences for local impact. By the end of the day, participants were equipped with new ideas, stronger networks, and an empowered sense of purpose, ready to engage in Africa’s progress from wherever they are.

Looking Forward

The connections and ideas generated during Africa Youth Day are just the beginning. We look forward to seeing how these young leaders will take what they’ve learned to drive tangible change in their communities and beyond. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this impactful day, and we invite you to continue supporting, connecting, and empowering each other to achieve the Africa we all envision.

Stay tuned for more events from Bizim Afrika, and let’s continue to connect, network, and thrive—together.