UNIFICATION TOWN, Margibi County – Liberia has further strengthened its position as a growing center for democratic leadership development in Africa, hosting 200 emerging civic and political leaders from 13 African countries while simultaneously securing the headquarters of a new Pan-African leadership academy.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com
The twin developments unfolded Monday during the opening of the 13th edition of the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa), where the African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress (ADAFP) and Naymote Partners for Democratic Development (Naymote) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding establishing the ADAFP Leadership Training Academy in Monrovia.
The weeklong leadership academy, hosted annually by Naymote, opened under the theme, “Empowering the Future: From Learning to Leadership for Africa’s Agenda 2063.”
The gathering carries added significance as YPLS Africa celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of nurturing ethical, accountable, and visionary leaders across the continent.
What began in Liberia in 2016 with just 30 participants has evolved into a major Pan-African leadership platform. Over the past decade, YPLS Africa has trained more than 1,200 young leaders, many of whom now serve in governments, political parties, civil society organizations, advocacy institutions, and public service across Africa.
The program was inspired by an idea first encountered during the World Movement for Democracy Assembly in Lima, Peru, and was subsequently championed by Naymote Executive Director and YPLS Africa Founder Eddie D. Jarwolo to address the longstanding underrepresentation of young people in governance and political leadership.
This year’s participants will spend six days engaged in political education, mentorship, peer learning, public policy discussions, ethical leadership training, and practical exercises designed to prepare them for leadership roles in their respective countries.
In a major boost to Liberia’s democratic credentials, the opening ceremony also witnessed the signing of an agreement establishing the ADAFP Leadership Training Academy, which will serve as the continental alliance’s principal institution for political education, democratic leadership development, and public policy training.
The three-year renewable partnership designates Monrovia as the permanent headquarters of the academy.
Under the agreement, ADAFP will retain ownership and strategic oversight of the institution, while Naymote will serve as its Founding Host and Institutional Partner in Liberia.
The academy will provide leadership training for political leaders, elected officials, public servants, youth leaders, and democratic actors from across Africa. Its curriculum will focus on democratic governance, constitutionalism, human rights, public administration, ethical leadership, economic transformation, regional integration, and youth and women’s leadership.
Courses will be offered in English, French, and Portuguese to ensure broad continental participation, while programs will include certificate courses, executive leadership training, fellowships, seminars, policy dialogues, and leadership forums.
The agreement also emphasizes support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the promotion of democratic values, accountability, civic participation, and responsible public leadership across Africa.
Addressing the opening ceremony, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative to Liberia, Aliou Mamadou Dia, challenged participants to move beyond political participation and aspire to positions of influence and leadership.
“The question is no longer whether young people are participating. The real question is whether they are sitting at the tables where decisions are made, whether they are shaping policies, voting budgets, leading institutions, and influencing governance at both national and local levels,” Dia said.
Drawing on more than two decades of development experience across Africa and his own experience as a presidential candidate in Senegal, Dia emphasized that knowledge remains the most powerful tool available to young leaders.
“If you don’t have knowledge, you are not part of the discussion. Africa needs young people who bring ideas, solutions, and vision, not those who simply applaud from the sidelines. Leadership requires preparation, courage, competence, and continuous learning,” he said.
Dia also urged participants to prioritize education and intellectual growth over distractions, warning that Africa’s increasingly complex challenges require informed and capable leaders.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Sweden’s Ambassador to Liberia and Sierra Leone, Karl Backeus, praised Naymote for transforming what was once a local initiative into a continent-wide leadership platform.
He described YPLS Africa as evidence of Liberia’s democratic resilience and an important investment in the future of democracy.
“Democracy is never a finished project. It requires continuous investment in knowledge, leadership, participation, and civic engagement,” Ambassador Backeus said. “Programs like this are essential, particularly at a time when democratic backsliding is being witnessed across different regions of the world.”
The Swedish envoy reminded participants that leadership is fundamentally about service.
“You are public servants. Leadership is not about enjoying the benefits of office. It is about serving the people who place their trust in you,” he added.
For his part, Jarwolo said YPLS Africa remains committed to preparing a new generation of African leaders capable of advancing democratic governance, sustainable development, and the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
“Ten years ago, we started this journey with a simple but ambitious vision—to prepare young Africans for leadership and public service. Today, that vision has grown into a continental platform that continues to inspire and equip young people to lead with integrity, accountability, and purpose,” Jarwolo said.
He urged participants to build lasting networks, exchange ideas, and develop practical solutions to challenges facing their communities.
“Africa’s future will be determined by the quality of leadership we produce today. The responsibility rests with this generation to champion democracy, strengthen institutions, and create opportunities that leave no one behind,” he added.
The establishment of the ADAFP Leadership Training Academy alongside the continued growth of YPLS Africa positions Liberia as an increasingly important hub for democratic dialogue, leadership development, and political education on the African continent.
