Banjul, The Gambia — African youth leadership in forestry and climate action featured prominently at the 25th Session of the African Forestry and Wildlife Commission (AFWC25), where Farhan Moshood Jimba, Chair of the AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) Youth Advisory Council, presented at a joint side event co-organized by the African Forest Forum (AFF), the UN-REDD Programme, the African Forestry and Wildlife Commission (FAO), and AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F).
Farhan emphasized that despite facing barriers such as limited access to land, finance and decision-making spaces, young people across Africa are increasingly contributing to sustainable forest management and climate-resilient development. The AY4F initiative equips youth with practical skills, scientific knowledge and opportunities to engage with researchers, policymakers and local communities, strengthening their role in landscape restoration and forest-positive initiatives.
Drawing on lessons from multi-country studies, virtual Communities of Practice, and national workshops in Kenya and Cameroon, Farhan highlighted priority actions for effective youth engagement. These include creating inclusive dialogue platforms, enhancing capacity in restoration, agroforestry, digital tools and non-timber forest product enterprises, and supporting youth participation in policy processes at multiple levels.
The presentation also showcased how technology and green entrepreneurship are empowering youth to implement scalable solutions. Examples included using GIS and drones for forest monitoring, and developing sustainable enterprises in honey, eco-bricks, non-timber forest products and climate-smart goods.
Key messages underscored youth as essential drivers of transformation, the need for sustained capacity-building and collaboration, and the role of technology and entrepreneurship in enhancing environmental, social and economic impact.
The AfricanYouth4Forests initiative continues to demonstrate the creativity, commitment and leadership of Africa's young people, highlighting the importance of investing in youth as partners in building a greener and more resilient continent.