A Celebration of Unity, Purpose, and Power
There are moments in history when the energy of a generation rises, not just in protest of what’s wrong, but in celebration of what’s possible. The Young Voices of Africa Annual General Conference, held on December 30th, 2023, in Makeni, Panlap Town, Sierra Leone, was one such moment, a day when passion, purpose, and people converged to light a path forward for Africa’s youth.
This wasn’t just a gathering; it was a movement in motion. From the elderly to the very young, from all walks of life and abilities, the community came alive with the sound of unity and hope. The conference welcomed a diverse audience, including local chiefs, government officials, security forces, and vibrant community leaders, all standing side-by-side with young people ready to be heard. It was a vivid reminder that the future of Africa is not a distant dream; it’s already here, rising in the voices and actions of its youth.
The event was marked by joy, celebration, and powerful dialogue. Traditional music, food, dance, and comedy wrapped the day in color and culture, while speeches, consultations, and youth-led discussions grounded it in purpose. Local chefs prepared meals with care, ambassadors from across Sierra Leone stood proudly, and our Vice President, Alhassan Kallon, along with other key YVA leaders like Ambassador Alusine Kallon, led the charge in delivering a message of empowerment and unity on behalf of our CEO and President, Kelvin Akpaloo.
This year’s theme focused on amplifying youth voices, fostering dialogue for development, and creating space for real action. The message was clear: young Africans are not waiting to be invited to the table; they are building their own.
As the morning sun rose over Panlap, the streets filled with music and conversation. The conference was broadcast live for those who couldn’t be there physically, echoing the heartbeat of Sierra Leone across digital borders. For those in the diaspora, and for friends and supporters across the globe, this was a chance to feel the pulse of Africa's rising generation.
For Young Voices of Africa, the Annual General Conference is more than just an event; it is a testament to our mission: to empower youth, elevate voices, and lead with purpose. We are building an Africa where young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers of today. Every hand raised, every story shared, every dance step taken—it all matters. It all shapes the Africa we believe in.
We left the conference not only inspired but ignited with a vision of unity, a commitment to action, and a love for Africa that cannot be silenced. To everyone who stood with us, thank you. To everyone yet to join us, there’s space at this table for you, too.
Together, we are the Young Voices of Africa. And we’re just getting started.
