Young People Shape the Future of the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab App at Annual Technical Meeting in Tanzania
40 participants gathered in Arusha for a two-day consultation focused on improving the App’s accessibility, strengthening youth engagement and supporting its long-term development.
On 21–22 October 2026, the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective programme held its Annual Technical Meeting on the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab App in Arusha, Tanzania, in collaboration with Restless Development.
The meeting brought together 40 participants, including Youth Advisory Board members, young leaders, representatives of youth-led organisations, digital communities and local stakeholders. Through interactive discussions, hands-on testing and collaborative activities, participants evaluated the App’s functionality and explored opportunities to make it more accessible, inclusive and responsive to young people’s needs.
The first day focused on the App’s user experience, accessibility and content relevance. Participants tested its features, shared their experiences and identified areas for improvement, including navigation, language accessibility, connectivity challenges and opportunities for greater interaction between users and developers.
Discussions also highlighted the importance of reaching young people in rural communities and ensuring that the platform remains relevant to users with different backgrounds, interests and levels of digital access.
Participants proposed several improvements, including stronger feedback mechanisms, notifications and additional approaches to promoting the App within youth networks and educational institutions. These recommendations will inform further assessment of potential developments.
The second day explored how the App could support stronger youth engagement, peer-to-peer connections and collaborative action.
Working in thematic groups, participants developed ideas for youth-led digital campaigns, interactive challenges and a potential Youth Digital Festival. These proposals aimed to encourage young people to share their perspectives, connect across countries and engage with issues affecting their communities.
Participants also identified resources that could enhance the App’s value as a learning and development platform, including practical tools for entrepreneurship, employability, advocacy and project development.
A special moment recognised the contributions of the Youth Advisory Board members, who received appreciation plaques presented by Restless Development for their continued involvement in the programme.
The recommendations gathered during the consultation provide valuable input for assessing future improvements and strengthening the App’s relevance, accessibility and sustainability.
Developed by Youthmakers Hub under the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab – Power of the Collective programme, the App aims to connect young people across Africa and Europe through opportunities for learning, participation and collaboration.
Explore the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab App and discover opportunities to learn, connect and make your voice heard.
