About FIJADA
FIJADA mobilizes African youth for sustainable and inclusive development. Discover our history, values, and commitments.
Vision
FIJADA's vision is of an Africa where young people are fully engaged in the socio-economic development of the continent. In this vision, young people are not only beneficiaries but key actors in building a better future.
The forum aspires to create an environment where the voices of young people are heard and taken into account in decisions that affect their lives, thus fostering a more just and equitable society.
Context of this Forum
The African Youth International Forum for the Development of Africa (FIJADA) was established in response to a growing awareness of the unique challenges faced by young Africans. In 2022, young leaders noted that despite their immense potential, the continent's youth are often marginalized in decision-making processes and have limited access to the resources needed to achieve their ambitions. High unemployment rates, unequal access to education, and socio-political tensions exacerbate these challenges.
FIJADA was designed to create a space where young people can not only express their concerns, but also develop innovative and collaborative solutions to overcome these obstacles.
General Objective of this Forum
The general objective of FIJADA is to promote the engagement and active participation of African youth in sustainable development processes across the continent. This includes creating an inclusive platform where young people can discuss issues affecting them, share their experiences and ideas, and collaborate on initiatives aimed at improving their living conditions. FIJADA aspires to transform young people into agents of change capable of positively influencing their environment.
Specific Objectives of the Forum
Capacity Building
The forum offers a series of practical and theoretical training sessions aimed at equipping young people with the necessary skills to excel in various fields such as entrepreneurship, project management, leadership, and governance. These trainings are tailored to the specific needs of participants and are led by recognized experts.
Networking
FIJADA facilitates networking among young African leaders by organizing networking events, collaborative workshops, and online platforms. This allows young people to forge strong connections, exchange ideas, and support each other in their respective projects.
Awareness and Advocacy
The forum is committed to raising awareness among young people about critical issues such as climate change, social justice, and human rights. It also encourages advocacy for better representation of youth in public policies, by collaborating with governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Link with the African Union's Agenda 2063
FIJADA aligns with Agenda 2063 by promoting youth participation in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly those related to peace, security, and economic prosperity. The forum positions itself as a strategic partner in implementing the key initiatives of this agenda.
Mission
FIJADA's mission is to catalyze the engagement of African youth for sustainable development, by offering them a platform for exchange, learning, and collective action. The forum aims to provide young people with the necessary tools to become agents of change within their communities, by fostering social innovation and supporting their local initiatives.
FIJADA also aims to be a space where young people can come together to share their successes and challenges, thereby strengthening their collective resilience.
Forum Activities to achieve its objectives
Conferences and seminars
FIJADA regularly organizes conferences and seminars on various topics such as social entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and participatory governance. These events bring together experts, policymakers, and young leaders to exchange ideas and share best practices.
Mentorship programs
The forum implements mentorship programs where experienced young leaders guide other young people in developing their projects. This personalized support helps to build self-confidence and develop practical skills.
Community projects
FIJADA encourages participants to identify specific problems in their communities and develop concrete projects to address them. These projects can include ecological, educational, or social initiatives that have a direct impact on the daily lives of residents.
Awareness campaigns
The forum also conducts awareness campaigns on various social and environmental issues. These campaigns use social media, community workshops, and other channels to inform and mobilize young people around important causes. FIJADA positions itself as a key player in mobilizing African youth for sustainable development, by promoting their active participation in all aspects of the continent's development.
Advantages of being a FIJADA member
Thanks to its diverse activities and strong commitment to youth empowerment, the forum aims to create a future where every young person has the opportunity to contribute positively to their community and country. These advantages make FIJADA a valuable space for young Africans eager to actively engage in sustainable development and become agents of change in their societies.
The Initiator of FIJADA
Lumeya Masuta Jonathan, a young Congolese leader passionate about sustainable development and civic engagement, observed that African youth, although representing a significant portion of the continent's population, were often marginalized in discussions on development policies.
After participating in several summits on the development of Africa, he was struck by the absence of young voices in the debates and decisions that shaped the future of their country and the continent.
