80 Young People Build Practical Skills in Collective Intelligence and Advocacy Training

August 2026

ComDev Africa has successfully delivered its French- and English-language training cohorts on Collective Intelligence and Advocacy, bringing together 80 young people aged 18–35 from diverse urban and rural backgrounds across Africa. Held online on 13–14 August and 19–21 August 2026, the training was organized under the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective programme. It brought together young people already engaged in social and environmental causes, as well as those interested in becoming more active in their communities.

The training responded to a common challenge faced by many young people: feeling excluded from decision-making processes that affect their communities. Through practical sessions, participants explored how collective intelligence can help them mobilise others, understand community needs and develop solutions. Key areas included collective intelligence, Design Thinking, advocacy action and institutional engagement. Participants learned how to identify community challenges, develop appropriate responses, structure advocacy strategies and create operational activity schedules that can turn ideas into concrete action.

The training placed young people at the centre of the process, recognising them not simply as beneficiaries, but as active advocates capable of influencing decisions and defending the priorities of their communities. “This training helped me understand that advocacy is an essential tool… to defend a programme or initiative more effectively and convince financial partners to support it.”

Another participant highlighted the practical value of the sessions, recommending the training to young people who want to acquire tools to influence decisions, advocate for their causes and contribute to community development. Following strong application demand, ComDev Africa plans to organise additional training cohorts, creating further opportunities for young people to develop these skills. Participants can also continue their learning and engagement journey through the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab App, which provides access to learning opportunities, connections and resources supporting youth participation and advocacy.