Monrovia — Two hundred emerging political and civic leaders from 13 African countries will gather in Margibi County next week for the 13th cohort of the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa), marking a decade since the program was launched in Liberia with just 30 participants.
The six-day intensive program, organized by Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, runs from June 8–13, 2026, at the Royal Ambassador Hotel on the Robertsfield Highway.
Held under the theme “Empowering the Future: From Learning to Leadership for Africa’s Agenda 2063,” the cohort will feature sessions on democratic governance, elections and technology, political communication, women in leadership, youth peace and security, and pathways to political office.
According to a releaseSouth African Member of Parliament Mmusi Maimane — leader of Build One South Africa and president of the African Democratic Alliance for Freedom and Progress — will deliver the keynote address at the opening session on Monday. Aliou Mamadou Dia, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will serve as Guest Speaker. The Embassy of Sweden to Liberia and Sierra Leone is among the partners expected to participate.
Since its founding in 2016, YPLS Africa has trained more than 1,200 young leaders across the continent, many of whom are now active in political parties, government institutions, civil society organizations, and electoral reform initiatives.
“YPLS Africa has grown into a respected Pan-African leadership movement,” said Eddie Jarwolo Sr., executive director of Naymote Partners for Democratic Governance. “Many alumni are now serving in political parties, government institutions, civil society organizations, advocacy spaces, and public leadership roles.”
Program Manager Alphia Faith Kemokai said the anniversary cohort carries particular significance. “It is a Decade of Impact moment and a renewed investment in Africa’s democratic future,” she said. “The cohort is designed to equip young leaders with political knowledge, ethical grounding, practical tools, peer networks, and accountability frameworks.”
The program comes as Africa’s youth — the continent’s demographic majority — remain significantly underrepresented in political decision-making structures. Organizers say YPLS Africa directly addresses that gap by preparing young people not merely to participate in politics, but to lead with accountability and govern responsibly.
The opening session is expected to draw senior government officials, diplomats, development partners, civil society actors, governance experts, and alumni from across the continent.
