Community of Practice

The AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) Community of Practice is an interactive platform launched by the African Forest Forum (AFF) in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI). This initiative is designed to empower young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs in Africa’s forestry sector.

A Collaborative Space for Innovation and Impact

The AY4F Community of Practice is more than a platform—it's a movement. It offers a collaborative space for African youth to:

  • Exchange ideas and share best practices
  • Co-create solutions for forest conservation and climate resilience
  • Explore opportunities in the green economy

Through knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and networking, the platform equips youth with the tools and resources needed to tackle today’s environmental challenges and contribute meaningfully to sustainable forest management.

First Cycle of Discussions – A Virtual Launch

The first round of live discussions took place on Howspace from March 31 to April 11, 2025, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Nairobi Time) / 09:00 AM – 11:00 AM (GMT).

  • Week 1: Interactive, chat-based discussions
  • Week 2: Engaging live webinars with expert speakers and youth voices

This structure ensured an inclusive and dynamic learning experience for all participants.

What Our Leaders Are Saying

Prof. Labode Popoola

Prof. Labode Popoola Executive Secretary-CEO, AFF

“We recognize the critical role that young people play in shaping the future of Africa’s forests and tree resources. Their passion, innovation, and commitment are exactly what’s needed to create sustainable, community-driven forest solutions.”

Dr. Jane Njuguna

Dr. Jane Njuguna CEO, KEFRI

“We are proud to collaborate with AFF and SLU on this initiative, which empowers youth with knowledge, tools, and a collaborative platform to lead environmental transformation in their communities.”

Sara Gräslund

Sara Gräslund Head of SLU Global

“Africa’s youth is crucial in re-thinking sustainable forest management. There are great opportunities for them to bring fresh ideas to local and global forestry challenges—and platforms like AY4F help make that possible.”

Join the Movement

The launch of AY4F’s Community of Practice is part of AFF’s broader mission to promote sustainable forest management across Africa. With support from SLU and KEFRI, this initiative will also offer:

  • Research collaborations
  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Networking forums
  • Youth-driven policy dialogues

If you're a young changemaker, student, educator, scientist, activist, expert, or policymaker in the forestry space—this platform is for you.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Join the AfricanYouth4Forests Community of Practice and be part of a vibrant movement for change in Africa’s forestry sector.

Join Now 

How to Join

  1. Click the registration link: AY4F Community Registration
  2. Enter your email address—you’ll receive a login link to complete your profile registration.
  3. When prompted with the question “Would you like to join the AfricanYouth4Forests Community?”, select “Yes.”
  4. Note: If you’re already a member of the platform, you can skip steps 1 and 2—just log in and proceed directly to step 3.

We look forward to connecting with you.