With an impassioned call to embrace purpose, heritage, and service, Josephine A. Nkrumah, Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission in Liberia, declared that African youth are not the leaders of tomorrow — but of today.
Her bold statement resonated through the opening ceremony of the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa) Cohort 12, which launched on Monday in Monrovia under the theme: “Unlocking Africa’s Potential: Your Leadership for Economic Development and Political Stability.”
“Young Africans must know who they are, understand their heritage, and embrace their purpose,” Nkrumah urged the gathered participants from six African countries. “Leadership is not about power; it’s about service.”
Delivering a compelling keynote structured as a personal letter to Africa’s youth, Nkrumah challenged the participants to answer three foundational questions: Who are you? What is your purpose? What kind of leader do you want to be?
Drawing on Africa’s storied past — from the wealth of Mansa Musa to the brilliance of ancient empires — she called on youth to reclaim the continent’s legacy through ethical and courageous leadership.
“Africa’s poverty is not for lack of resources,” she declared. “It’s a crisis of leadership. You must speak up, advocate, and act with conviction.” “You are not the leaders of tomorrow. You are the leaders of today. Your time is now.”
The event brought together over 100 young leaders from Liberia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, Guinea, and Sierra Leone, who will participate in a week-long intensive training program, culminating in a year-long engagement with YPLS Africa’s alumni network. The program is designed to equip youth with the tools, knowledge, and networks to drive sustainable development, peacebuilding, and democratic governance across the continent.
In her welcome remarks, Ms. Alphia Faith Kemokai, Program Manager of YPLS Africa, lauded the energy and resilience of the participants and organizing team. She emphasized the need to shift away from symbolic youth inclusion toward meaningful empowerment.
“There is strength in our numbers,” Kemokai said. “Tokenism is not enough. We need empowered, character-driven leaders who are equipped and trusted to lead.”
She highlighted the enduring legacy of YPLS Africa, an initiative of Naymote Partners for Democratic Development founded in 2016 by Eddie Jarwolo, which has trained over 1,000 young leaders now making strides in politics, civil society, business, and governance.
“This is not just training,” Kemokai added. “This is the beginning of a movement — a movement where young Africans take the lead in shaping the continent’s future.”
Also addressing the gathering, Nikolina Stålhand, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Sweden near Monrovia, praised the high level of engagement and optimism in the room.
“I wish every Monday morning started like this,” she said with a smile.
Stålhand acknowledged the significance of such leadership platforms, especially in a world facing rising authoritarianism and democratic regression.
“In a world increasingly accepting of might over right, Liberia stands as a beacon of democratic progress,” she noted, referencing recent peaceful elections, the government’s commitment to establishing a War and Economic Crimes Court, and improved performance on the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index.
She further stressed that democracy cannot be taken for granted. “Democracy is not a given; it must be actively defended. And that defense starts with you — the youth.”
Cohort 12 of YPLS Africa features 13 expert facilitators from across Africa and the world, offering sessions on topics such as governance, peacebuilding, economic development, civic engagement, and leadership ethics. Participants will engage in interactive workshops, peer-learning, and cross-cultural exchanges that seek to build a solid foundation for collaboration beyond national boundaries.
Monrovia’s role as host city reaffirms Liberia’s leadership in promoting political dialogue and youth empowerment in Africa.
The program’s overall objective is to develop a generation of young leaders who not only understand policy and governance but who embody integrity, service, and innovation in tackling Africa’s complex challenges.
As the week unfolds, the young delegates are expected to forge lasting bonds and commit to projects that promote political stability, democratic accountability, and inclusive development in their respective countries.
Kemokai concluded the launch with a clear message of purpose and urgency: “The future is ours to shape. Now, it is ours to participate in.”
YPLS Africa is a flagship initiative of Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, established in 2016. It aims to build the capacity of young Africans to actively engage in democratic processes, political leadership, and development work. The program has trained over 1,000 young leaders across the continent, many of whom now hold influential positions in government, civil society, and the private sector.
