Afro-Arab Youth Congress: Shaping a shared future for the youth

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OPINION

By Hon. Dr Abbas Agaba

From October 6 to 10, 2025, Uganda will host one of the most significant gatherings of youth leadership in recent history: the Afro-Arab Youth Congress. The event will take place at Speke Resort Hotel Munyonyo in Kampala and will chart new horizons for collaboration, innovation, and empowerment of young people across Africa and the Arab world.

The Congress will be attended by Heads of State from the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, and Guinea-Conakry. Their participation underscores the importance of this meeting in building bridges between Africa and the Arab world.

Equally notable is the attendance of the Secretary General of the Arab League and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, making the Kampala gathering not just a youth event but a historic moment of high-level engagement.

Unlike many conferences that end in ceremonial speeches and banquets, the Afro-Arab Youth Congress is set apart by its ambitious vision. The highlight of this year’s edition is the launch of a fundraising drive for the construction of the Council’s permanent headquarters in Uganda. Thanks to the Host Country Agreement, Uganda serves as the home of the Afro-Arab Youth Council, with the President of Uganda as its Patron.

The planned headquarters will be more than a symbol—it will be a legacy. The master plan includes a University of Science and Technology to equip young people with cutting-edge skills, a three-star hotel with recreational facilities, a cultural centre dedicated to showcasing Africa and the Arab world’s shared values, a modern sports stadium, and an administration block. Together, these facilities will form a hub of education, culture, and enterprise. Once complete, they will not only serve Ugandan youth but will also stand as a continental and intercontinental beacon of opportunity.

The benefits of these projects are far-reaching. The cultural centre will strengthen tourism by celebrating heritage and identity. The stadium will inspire sportsmanship, talent development, and unity. The university will cultivate innovation, research, and creativity, preparing the next generation to lead in science, technology, and entrepreneurship. Most importantly, these projects will generate both direct and indirect employment, easing youth unemployment and empowering communities.

Beyond infrastructure, the Congress itself is a platform of immense value. Over 1,500 youth leaders and policymakers will gather in Kampala, including delegates from every district of Uganda. This will create rare opportunities for cross-border networking, business linkages, and shared learning. In today’s interconnected world, such exchanges are indispensable for nurturing leadership, expanding markets, and fostering solidarity among young people across two continents.

The Afro-Arab Youth Congress is not an isolated event but part of a broader journey. Since its founding in Sudan in 2004, the Afro-Arab Youth Council has grown into a respected international body uniting youth leaders, national and regional organisations, and policymakers from Africa and the Arab world. From its headquarters in Uganda, the Council provides a vibrant platform for advocacy and policy engagement, helping young people confront pressing challenges while harnessing shared opportunities.

The youth are increasingly recognised as the drivers of sustainable development, peace, and innovation. By investing in them, the Afro-Arab Youth Council affirms its commitment to building a resilient, prosperous, and inclusive future.

As Secretary General of the Afro-Arab Youth Council, I call upon Ugandan youth—and indeed, youth across Africa and the Arab world—to seize this opportunity with open hands. The short-term benefits include invaluable networking and exposure, while the medium- and long-term dividends will be seen in education, employment, cultural exchange, and lasting friendships.

The future of Africa and the Arab world lies in the hands of the youth. Together, let us rise to the occasion, build bridges, and unlock a shared destiny.

The writer is the Secretary General, Afro-Arab Youth Council