ABOUT
AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective is a four-year initiative, part of the AU-EU Youth Lab programme, that fosters a more youth responsive and inclusive society in Africa and Europe. It is implemented by an international consortium with youth-led and youth-informed work expertise, including Oxfam, Restless Development, Search for Common Ground, Youthmakers Hub, and ComDev Africa.
AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective envisions a society where youth engagement, empowerment, and connection drive policy-making, partnerships, and decision-making. Operations are continent-wide, and the strategies involve youth and decision-makers from all 54 African countries, targeting 14 Intervention Countries in Africa and 1 in Europe for in-person activities.
KEY OPPORTUNITIES
We are developing the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab App, which serves as a virtual mirror of the collective and builds on input from 10,000 young people, tailored to their needs and priorities.
The Youth Voices Third-Party-Funding Mechanism supports youth-led advocacy initiatives by providing microgrants ranging from €1,000 to €10,000 per collective to youth-led groups from intervention countries and the youth diaspora to support their actions. It aims at strengthening local and continental advocacy through research, training, and accountability mechanisms.
Other key actions include training 24,000 young people on advocacy-related skills, hosting Youth Power Hackathons. Support to youth representatives in joining intergenerational and cross-continental decision-making spaces.
VISION &
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
To co-create a more inclusive and youth-responsive society in Africa and Europe, where policies, partnerships, and decision-making processes are shaped by youth through open intergenerational dialogues.
OUR APPROACHES
THE YOUTH JOURNEYS
Empowering young people – ages 15 to 35, including those in hard-to-reach areas and not in education, employment, or training – and youth-led groups to effectively advocate for their concerns and priorities within the AU-EU partnership in Africa.
THE INSTITUTIONAL JOURNEY
Engaging decision-makers, including institutions, governments, and corporations, to develop youth-centered and youth-responsive policies.
OUR AMBITIONS IN NUMBERS
ENGAGE
YOUNG PEOPLE
in information access, action planning, and accountability through youth-led initiatives.
EMPOWER
YOUNG PEOPLE
to participate in civil society with collective self-care.
CONNECT
YOUNG PEOPLE
with intergenerational dialogues and cross-continental partnerships.
ASSIST
POLICYMAKERS &
DECISION-MAKERS
in collaborating on youth-responsive policymaking and accountability.
SUPPORT
YOUTH-RESPONSIVE
POLICIES
development or improvement.
INVOLVE
YOUNG PEOPLE
in shaping our mobile application according to their needs and priorities.
MEDIA
YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Ally Zlatarin
Ally Zlatar is from Belgium and is an artist, scholar, and activist working at the intersection of creative advocacy, mental health, migrant experiences, and systemic reform. She is the founder of The Starving... Artist, an artist initiative that uses creative voices to support advocacy and structural change. She also founded The Starving Artist Publishing Studio, which provides a platform for marginalized writers, and The Starving Artist Scholarship Fund, which helps people access inpatient mental health treatment. Through her “This Body of Mine” campaign, Ally explores migrant experiences through creative expression and has supported individuals and artists from refugee-seeking backgrounds globally.
Hashimu Adamuin
Hashimu Adamu is from Nigeria and is a development professional focused on democratic governance, migration, youth advocacy, and accountable institutions. He currently serves as Senior Technical Assistant to... the Secretary General of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures, supporting continental legislative leadership and parliamentary diplomacy. A Commonwealth Scholar and member of Chatham House Common Future Conversations, he represents Africa at the UNODC GenJust Youth Network, where he advocates for justice reform and meaningful youth inclusion. Hashimu was recognized as African Champion at the 2023 World Evaluation Case Competition and has led high-impact initiatives including #SheVotesToo and the North Central Development Commission’s Voices & Data campaign.
Michael Nkrumah-Appauin
Michael Nkrumah-Appau is from Ghana and is a youth leader and clinical microbiologist working across neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, translational health research, youth advocacy, and... sustainable development. He is committed to advancing equitable health systems in Africa through knowledge-sharing and cross-continental collaboration, with a focus on public health and SDG 3. As a doctoral researcher at the Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, he addresses critical health challenges in Ghana and Africa, particularly among marginalized youth populations, translating research into improved health outcomes. His leadership also extends to youth advocacy, mentorship, education, and ethical leadership for emerging young professionals.
Hope Ezra Mukwindain
Hope Ezra Mukwinda is from Zambia and is a youth leader working at the intersection of health, governance, and youth development. With a background in clinical medicine, law, and health systems management, she... brings technical expertise and policy insight to advancing inclusive, people-centered systems. Hope has extensive experience in community-led youth engagement, including mentoring young people in mental health, civic participation, and volunteerism across public schools and grassroots platforms. As a project lead and advocate, she promotes integrating mental health into governance and development agendas. Her work spans national and continental platforms, contributing to policy dialogue, youth representation, and sustainable opportunities for young people.
Birikunzira Lionceauin
Birikunzira Lionceau is from Burundi and is a youth leader and social impact advocate focused on youth empowerment, sustainability, and inclusive development. His areas of interest include education,... leadership development, climate action, and access to international opportunities for young people. Through mentoring, training, and peer guidance, he supports young people in accessing educational and leadership programs while encouraging active participation in community initiatives. Passionate about helping young people unlock their potential, he works to strengthen their confidence, skills, and global awareness. He is motivated to amplify youth voices, contribute practical and innovative ideas, and support inclusive decision-making processes that reflect young people’s real needs and aspirations.
Sarra Hannachiin
Sarra Hannachi is from Tunisia and is a technology researcher and responsible AI advocate with more than four years of experience in non-profits and think tanks working on tech policy, AI governance, and... ethics. Her work focuses especially on the intersection of global security and technology, including warfare and geopolitical contexts. She contributes to research, Track II diplomacy, and responsible technology and AI initiatives in international security. Sarra is currently a research fellow at the Canadian think tank AULA, focusing on AI governance in defense and security. She is also a member of the Coalition for Independent Technology Research and of the North Africa IGF Multi-Advisory Group 2026–2027. She is proficient in English, French, Arabic, and Italian.
Andrew Ddembein
Andrew Ddembe is from Uganda and is a multidisciplinary entrepreneur, health lawyer, technologist, and writer committed to health equity and social justice. He uses his diverse expertise to advance sustainable... development and create more inclusive systems. Recognized globally, Andrew was named a Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 entrepreneur in 2024 and the Global Citizen of the Year in New York that same year. His achievements also include the SMACK Alumni Rising Star Award in 2025 and the Innovator of the Year award from CEO Summit Uganda in 2020. He is an Emergent Global Ventures Fellow, a Prometheus Venture Fellow, and an Anzisha Africa Fellow. He contributed as a Young Business Expert with the African Union–European Union Youth Cooperation Hub from 2018 to 2023, won the Global Sandoz Hack in Texas in 2019, serves on multiple boards and advisory committees, and hosts the annual Vitendo Digital Health Symposium, Africa.
Moulda Fourissouin
Moulda Fourissou is from Cameroon and is a young social impact advocate with training and experience in management sciences, social sciences, marketing, and commerce. Committed to social justice and social... progress, she is a strong advocate for the rights of women and children. She is actively involved in a volunteer association, where she contributes to initiatives focused on child protection, the prevention of gender-based violence, health, and sanitation. Driven by the ambition to build more equitable and inclusive societies, Moulda has also founded her own association. She is committed to amplifying youth voices, proposing concrete solutions, and contributing to the development of more inclusive and sustainable policies.
Geofrey Jumain
Geofrey Juma is from Kenya and is a governance and policy specialist committed to inclusive development and the empowerment of youth and marginalized communities. His work focuses on governance, policy... development, legislative drafting, and youth engagement, with the aim of making systems more transparent, participatory, and responsive to citizens’ needs. Throughout his career, Geofrey has prioritized building the capacity of both rights holders and duty bearers, facilitating dialogue between citizens and leaders, and advancing policy reforms centered on equity and social justice. He works to ensure that young people and marginalized groups can participate fully in decision-making at local, national, and continental levels. He brings expertise in governance, legislative processes, policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building.
Mabile M. Jöthdítin
Mabile M. Jöthdít is from South Sudan and is a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, where he is reading for the Bachelor of Civil Law. He is also an accredited international elections observer. His... research examines how peace agreements can be weaponized by armed elites to perpetuate impunity, defer elections, and rationalize violence. His expertise spans governance, youth engagement, and peace and security. Mabile applies legal rigor and field experience to support the integration of youth perspectives into high-level strategic frameworks. He is committed to dismantling systems of elite capture, fostering democratic accountability within the Africa-Europe partnership, and using evidence-based advocacy to support policy shifts that protect the rights and political agency of the next generation.
Natalie Gwatirisain
Natalie Gwatirisa is from Zimbabwe and is a climate justice advocate, linguist, and regional programme associate dedicated to bridging grassroots activism and international policy. With expertise in... participatory democracy and linguistics, she works to democratise climate information and make it more accessible. Her youth engagement experience includes serving as an international climate negotiator and as an advisor to multilateral organizations, where she advocates for integrating diverse perspectives into global governance. Natalie has co-founded a youth-led movement for inclusive climate empowerment and is a strong advocate for localized action and systemic change. She is motivated by the need to ensure that frontline communities lead the global climate conversation and that youth voices are embedded into policy frameworks.
Wendkouni Flora Kaboorein
Wendkouni Flora Kaboore is from Burkina Faso and is a project management professional and youth advocate with a Master’s degree in project management. She has worked as a monitoring and evaluation assistant... for the Social Equity programme, funded by the Zurich Foundation and implemented by Junior Achievement in partnership with the GEFED association in Burkina Faso. Beyond her academic and professional background, Flora is actively involved in civil society and has held leadership responsibilities, including as project officer for the Take the Lead programme at Association Pour Nous. She is also an alumna of WOLAF, the African Women Leadership Initiative, supported in partnership with the European Union. Flora sees her role as a strategic bridge between institutions and young people’s realities, contributing through advocacy and co-creation of funding mechanisms, such as the TPFM, for youth-led initiatives that address global challenges.
Thomas Kingsley Justice Lebbiein
Thomas Kingsley Justice Lebbie is from Sierra Leone and is a researcher, social worker, feminist, and disability-inclusive development professional with more than nine years of experience. His expertise spans... gender inclusion, child protection, sustainable peacebuilding, and inclusive governance. He specializes in policy decision-making, strategy formulation, advocacy, and youth empowerment, with a focus on women, girls, and persons with disabilities. Thomas currently serves as Head of Programs at Welfare Society Disabled Sierra Leone and as President of the Mano River Youth Network. He also manages his own multimedia company and consultancy firm. A results-oriented leader, he brings strong planning, organizational, and cross-cultural communication skills, along with advanced expertise in data analysis, partnership building, mentoring, and facilitation.
Mafunda Kombo Fakiin
Mafunda Kombo Faki is from Zanzibar, Tanzania, and is a tourism professional, youth leader, international relations and diplomacy practitioner, and communications strategist. She is the Founder and Managing... Director of Zanvacay and serves as the Director of the Zanzibar International Youth Tourism Summit, a platform that empowers young people through tourism, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Mafunda has worked with organizations including the African Tourism Board, where she served as Global Ambassador, USAID Feed the Future, and YouLead Africa, contributing to youth engagement, digital communication, and regional collaboration initiatives across Africa. She is passionate about tourism development, youth empowerment, mental health advocacy, and storytelling through media and content creation. She is committed to amplifying youth voices, strengthening intercultural dialogue, and promoting meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes.
Céline Mame Ndew Dioufin
Céline Mame Ndew Diouf is from Senegal and is a communication professional and youth advocate with extensive experience in community engagement. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication from Gaston Berger... University and has been a member of the Association des Guides du Sénégal since 2006. She currently serves as National Commissioner in charge of the Executive Secretariat. Her background includes digital communication, youth leadership, and previous social research experience with LASPAD/UGB. Céline is motivated to amplify youth perspectives and contribute to collective impact across youth engagement, advocacy, and decision-making spaces.
MEDIA
YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Ally Zlatarin
Ally Zlatar is from Belgium and is an artist, scholar, and activist working at the intersection of creative advocacy, mental health, migrant experiences, and systemic reform. She is the founder of The Starving... Artist, an artist initiative that uses creative voices to support advocacy and structural change. She also founded The Starving Artist Publishing Studio, which provides a platform for marginalized writers, and The Starving Artist Scholarship Fund, which helps people access inpatient mental health treatment. Through her “This Body of Mine” campaign, Ally explores migrant experiences through creative expression and has supported individuals and artists from refugee-seeking backgrounds globally.
Hashimu Adamuin
Hashimu Adamu is from Nigeria and is a development professional focused on democratic governance, migration, youth advocacy, and accountable institutions. He currently serves as Senior Technical Assistant to... the Secretary General of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures, supporting continental legislative leadership and parliamentary diplomacy. A Commonwealth Scholar and member of Chatham House Common Future Conversations, he represents Africa at the UNODC GenJust Youth Network, where he advocates for justice reform and meaningful youth inclusion. Hashimu was recognized as African Champion at the 2023 World Evaluation Case Competition and has led high-impact initiatives including #SheVotesToo and the North Central Development Commission’s Voices & Data campaign.
Michael Nkrumah-Appauin
Michael Nkrumah-Appau is from Ghana and is a youth leader and clinical microbiologist working across neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, translational health research, youth advocacy, and... sustainable development. He is committed to advancing equitable health systems in Africa through knowledge-sharing and cross-continental collaboration, with a focus on public health and SDG 3. As a doctoral researcher at the Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, he addresses critical health challenges in Ghana and Africa, particularly among marginalized youth populations, translating research into improved health outcomes. His leadership also extends to youth advocacy, mentorship, education, and ethical leadership for emerging young professionals.
Hope Ezra Mukwindain
Hope Ezra Mukwinda is from Zambia and is a youth leader working at the intersection of health, governance, and youth development. With a background in clinical medicine, law, and health systems management, she... brings technical expertise and policy insight to advancing inclusive, people-centered systems. Hope has extensive experience in community-led youth engagement, including mentoring young people in mental health, civic participation, and volunteerism across public schools and grassroots platforms. As a project lead and advocate, she promotes integrating mental health into governance and development agendas. Her work spans national and continental platforms, contributing to policy dialogue, youth representation, and sustainable opportunities for young people.
Birikunzira Lionceauin
Birikunzira Lionceau is from Burundi and is a youth leader and social impact advocate focused on youth empowerment, sustainability, and inclusive development. His areas of interest include education,... leadership development, climate action, and access to international opportunities for young people. Through mentoring, training, and peer guidance, he supports young people in accessing educational and leadership programs while encouraging active participation in community initiatives. Passionate about helping young people unlock their potential, he works to strengthen their confidence, skills, and global awareness. He is motivated to amplify youth voices, contribute practical and innovative ideas, and support inclusive decision-making processes that reflect young people’s real needs and aspirations.
Sarra Hannachiin
Sarra Hannachi is from Tunisia and is a technology researcher and responsible AI advocate with more than four years of experience in non-profits and think tanks working on tech policy, AI governance, and... ethics. Her work focuses especially on the intersection of global security and technology, including warfare and geopolitical contexts. She contributes to research, Track II diplomacy, and responsible technology and AI initiatives in international security. Sarra is currently a research fellow at the Canadian think tank AULA, focusing on AI governance in defense and security. She is also a member of the Coalition for Independent Technology Research and of the North Africa IGF Multi-Advisory Group 2026–2027. She is proficient in English, French, Arabic, and Italian.
Andrew Ddembein
Andrew Ddembe is from Uganda and is a multidisciplinary entrepreneur, health lawyer, technologist, and writer committed to health equity and social justice. He uses his diverse expertise to advance sustainable... development and create more inclusive systems. Recognized globally, Andrew was named a Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 entrepreneur in 2024 and the Global Citizen of the Year in New York that same year. His achievements also include the SMACK Alumni Rising Star Award in 2025 and the Innovator of the Year award from CEO Summit Uganda in 2020. He is an Emergent Global Ventures Fellow, a Prometheus Venture Fellow, and an Anzisha Africa Fellow. He contributed as a Young Business Expert with the African Union–European Union Youth Cooperation Hub from 2018 to 2023, won the Global Sandoz Hack in Texas in 2019, serves on multiple boards and advisory committees, and hosts the annual Vitendo Digital Health Symposium, Africa.
Moulda Fourissouin
Moulda Fourissou is from Cameroon and is a young social impact advocate with training and experience in management sciences, social sciences, marketing, and commerce. Committed to social justice and social... progress, she is a strong advocate for the rights of women and children. She is actively involved in a volunteer association, where she contributes to initiatives focused on child protection, the prevention of gender-based violence, health, and sanitation. Driven by the ambition to build more equitable and inclusive societies, Moulda has also founded her own association. She is committed to amplifying youth voices, proposing concrete solutions, and contributing to the development of more inclusive and sustainable policies.
Geofrey Jumain
Geofrey Juma is from Kenya and is a governance and policy specialist committed to inclusive development and the empowerment of youth and marginalized communities. His work focuses on governance, policy... development, legislative drafting, and youth engagement, with the aim of making systems more transparent, participatory, and responsive to citizens’ needs. Throughout his career, Geofrey has prioritized building the capacity of both rights holders and duty bearers, facilitating dialogue between citizens and leaders, and advancing policy reforms centered on equity and social justice. He works to ensure that young people and marginalized groups can participate fully in decision-making at local, national, and continental levels. He brings expertise in governance, legislative processes, policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building.
Mabile M. Jöthdítin
Mabile M. Jöthdít is from South Sudan and is a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, where he is reading for the Bachelor of Civil Law. He is also an accredited international elections observer. His... research examines how peace agreements can be weaponized by armed elites to perpetuate impunity, defer elections, and rationalize violence. His expertise spans governance, youth engagement, and peace and security. Mabile applies legal rigor and field experience to support the integration of youth perspectives into high-level strategic frameworks. He is committed to dismantling systems of elite capture, fostering democratic accountability within the Africa-Europe partnership, and using evidence-based advocacy to support policy shifts that protect the rights and political agency of the next generation.
Natalie Gwatirisain
Natalie Gwatirisa is from Zimbabwe and is a climate justice advocate, linguist, and regional programme associate dedicated to bridging grassroots activism and international policy. With expertise in... participatory democracy and linguistics, she works to democratise climate information and make it more accessible. Her youth engagement experience includes serving as an international climate negotiator and as an advisor to multilateral organizations, where she advocates for integrating diverse perspectives into global governance. Natalie has co-founded a youth-led movement for inclusive climate empowerment and is a strong advocate for localized action and systemic change. She is motivated by the need to ensure that frontline communities lead the global climate conversation and that youth voices are embedded into policy frameworks.
Wendkouni Flora Kaboorein
Wendkouni Flora Kaboore is from Burkina Faso and is a project management professional and youth advocate with a Master’s degree in project management. She has worked as a monitoring and evaluation assistant... for the Social Equity programme, funded by the Zurich Foundation and implemented by Junior Achievement in partnership with the GEFED association in Burkina Faso. Beyond her academic and professional background, Flora is actively involved in civil society and has held leadership responsibilities, including as project officer for the Take the Lead programme at Association Pour Nous. She is also an alumna of WOLAF, the African Women Leadership Initiative, supported in partnership with the European Union. Flora sees her role as a strategic bridge between institutions and young people’s realities, contributing through advocacy and co-creation of funding mechanisms, such as the TPFM, for youth-led initiatives that address global challenges.
Thomas Kingsley Justice Lebbiein
Thomas Kingsley Justice Lebbie is from Sierra Leone and is a researcher, social worker, feminist, and disability-inclusive development professional with more than nine years of experience. His expertise spans... gender inclusion, child protection, sustainable peacebuilding, and inclusive governance. He specializes in policy decision-making, strategy formulation, advocacy, and youth empowerment, with a focus on women, girls, and persons with disabilities. Thomas currently serves as Head of Programs at Welfare Society Disabled Sierra Leone and as President of the Mano River Youth Network. He also manages his own multimedia company and consultancy firm. A results-oriented leader, he brings strong planning, organizational, and cross-cultural communication skills, along with advanced expertise in data analysis, partnership building, mentoring, and facilitation.
Mafunda Kombo Fakiin
Mafunda Kombo Faki is from Zanzibar, Tanzania, and is a tourism professional, youth leader, international relations and diplomacy practitioner, and communications strategist. She is the Founder and Managing... Director of Zanvacay and serves as the Director of the Zanzibar International Youth Tourism Summit, a platform that empowers young people through tourism, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. Mafunda has worked with organizations including the African Tourism Board, where she served as Global Ambassador, USAID Feed the Future, and YouLead Africa, contributing to youth engagement, digital communication, and regional collaboration initiatives across Africa. She is passionate about tourism development, youth empowerment, mental health advocacy, and storytelling through media and content creation. She is committed to amplifying youth voices, strengthening intercultural dialogue, and promoting meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes.
Céline Mame Ndew Dioufin
Céline Mame Ndew Diouf is from Senegal and is a communication professional and youth advocate with extensive experience in community engagement. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication from Gaston Berger... University and has been a member of the Association des Guides du Sénégal since 2006. She currently serves as National Commissioner in charge of the Executive Secretariat. Her background includes digital communication, youth leadership, and previous social research experience with LASPAD/UGB. Céline is motivated to amplify youth perspectives and contribute to collective impact across youth engagement, advocacy, and decision-making spaces.
GRANTS
The AU-EU Youth Voices Third-Party Funding Mechanism supports youth-led groups to turn ideas into action. Through this opportunity, young people can access funding to design and implement activities that address community needs, strengthen youth participation, and contribute to broader advocacy and policy dialogue.
Here’s all you need to know about the mechanism, eligibility criteria, key dates, and application process!
CONSORTIUM
CONTACT
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