"Culture is a way of life." African Youths across the globe should learn more about the rich cultural heritage of our dear Continent. African Youths are the fastest-growing population, yet young Africans know nothing about their origin, heritage, and Culture. African Youths Leadership and Culture Summit (AYLCUS) seek to bring together young leaders across the Continent of Africa, the Caribbean and from other parts of the World and connect them through innovative Cultural strategies and make their heritage a source of economic and social opportunity for them.
Background :
Culture is a way of life. However, Africa's rich cultural heritage is at stake since its fastest growing population is the youth (75%) who unfortunately due to globalization are quickly forgetting about their origin, culture and heritage and fully embracing foreign Culture. The Africa Youth Leadership & Culture Summit(AYLCUS) is an annual event that will bring together young leaders across the continent of Africa, the Caribbean and beyond and connect them through innovative Cultural strategies and make their heritage a source of economic and social opportunity for them.
AYLCUS seeks to ;
- Inspire the next generation of cultural Ambassadors and advocates who can contribute to sustainable development of their communities and the continent at large and most importantly the preservation and promotion of African Culture.
- Provide a forum for young people to organize, network, get inspired, and share their hopes and concerns about empowerment and developmental opportunities using multi-sectoral and multi-ministerial approach.
- Increase collaboration and networking between organizations, funders & other partners working on youth development
- Initiate a process where 5000 young people from across the 56 Africa countries are exposed to cultural empowerment, job creation and self development opportunities. 1000 of these young people will be expected to directly access funding and technical support to establish and or expand their existing enterprises. They will further be mentored for a period of 3 months after the summit to ensure the realization of their various enterprises
- Identify priorities and develop a five year Africa Youth Empowerment Strategic Plan “Roadmap 2024-2029”.
- Increase the visibility and awareness of African culture on a global scale thereby leading to increased tourism and economic opportunities in the cultural sector.
Event Format:
AYLCUS 2026:
Location: Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Date: 21st- 25th October 2026
Summit Theme: One Africa, Many Cultures: Youth Innovation for Trade, Peace, and Identity"
-Cocktail Reception for delegates -
A 5 days celebration comprising:
*Plenary Sessions - High level panel conversations, key note speeches and Fireside chats - well curated thematic areas relevant to the overarching summit theme.
*Networking Sessions - to facilitate collaboration & partnerships between African Youth & Stakeholders in the cultural, Trade and Tourism sector.
*Business Clinics and Mentorship for the Youth Entrepreneurship (Creative & Cultural Industry & tourism), Agribusiness, Fashion, ICT and E-commerce, Content Development and Distribution, The 4th Industrial Revolution in the African context.
*Exhibition - a showcase of Africa unique cultural products - cuisine, fashion, Arts, crafts, innovation etc.
*Mega Concert / Cultural Soiree' - Celebration and promotion of Africa's cultural heritage, expressed through poetry, music and dance.