Naymote Partners for Democratic Development has kicked off the 12th cohort of its Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa).
This week-long intensive training, running from June 9 to 13, 2025, gathers 120 emerging leaders from 11 African countries in Monrovia under the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Potential: Youth Leadership for Economic Development and Political Stability.” Participants include young politicians, activists, civic leaders, and representatives from civil society.
Alphia Faith Kemokai, Naymote’s programme manager, explained that YPLS Africa aims to nurture a new generation of accountable, character-driven leaders, a vision championed by Executive Director Eddie D. Jarwolo.
Credit: Africa Press Arabic
She added that this cohort was rigorously selected and will engage in a year-long programme, including mentorship and networking with YPLS alumni.
Kemokai noted that participants hail from countries such as Uganda, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea, and Liberia and will be guided by 13 local and international expert facilitators on leadership, governance, and development.
“We are thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead,” Kemokai stated, highlighting the programme’s success since 2016, which has seen over 1,130 young leaders trained and now contributing significantly across various sectors in Africa.
In her keynote address, Madam Josephine A. Nkrumah, ECOWAS Commission President’s Resident Representative in Liberia, urged participants to become ethical and transformational leaders.
She emphasised the importance of trustworthiness, peacebuilding, and transparent civic engagement, saying, “True leaders don’t just promise change—they build it. They craft inclusive policies, create opportunities for others to thrive, and foster peace and justice through intentional and transparent leadership.”
Ireland’s Ambassador to Liberia, Gerard Considine, praised the initiative, underscoring the vital role of youth, who comprise 60% of Africa’s 1.2 billion people under 25.
He stressed the need for youth engagement in politics to build inclusive, democratic, and sustainable societies, adding, “The skills you’re developing here will be critical in addressing global issues like climate change and peacebuilding. Your voices are needed in political leadership.”
Omolara T. Balogun, Naymote’s Board Chair, called for courageous and compassionate leadership, stating, “The challenges you’ll explore during this training reflect broader societal issues. Effective leaders must deeply understand the needs of their people. The knowledge you gain here will be essential as you take on greater leadership responsibilities.”
Balogun emphasised that the participants’ leadership journey is part of a larger continental movement, noting, “Africa’s youth face shared challenges that transcend national borders. Only through united action can we achieve sustainable progress.”
