Voices of Youth

Voices of Youth

Celebrating youth perspectives, stories, and actions for Africa’s forests

Young people across Africa are driving bold, creative, and community-rooted solutions to protect and restore our forests. This space amplifies their voices—through personal stories, artistic expression, innovations, and advocacy. From climate-smart entrepreneurship to spoken word, “Voices of Youth” highlights the lived experiences, hopes, and actions of a generation committed to forest sustainability.

Explore how Africa’s youth are reimagining forest futures—and be inspired to raise your voice too.

Esther Maina Kenyan Youth Biodiversity Network

Forests are an invaluable resource and so are our youth. Together, we must harness this dual power to drive sustainable change.

Paul Kaluki Earth Now Media

Africa's youth are leading with innovation, creativity, and a deep connection to nature. It's time we listen, support, and amplify their impact.

Zainab Mahmoud Twende Green Ecocyle

Africa's youth are not just the voice of the future—they are the action of today. We are here, and we are already making a difference.

Sebastian Frayne Eco-green Group

The #AY4F workshop has been a truly enlightening experience—connecting young minds for forest resilience has never been more urgent.

Moses Njuki Community Forest Association

This AY4F national workshop was an eye-opener for me. The knowledge I’ve gained will help us better mobilize communities around forest protection.

Meali Mohammed Vanga Blue Forest

When we restore mangroves, we don’t just protect nature—we restore our identity, our food, and our future.

Martin Elgh Forest Bioeconomy Student, Sweden

As youth, our research can turn forest products like honey and timber into drivers of economic transformation while preserving biodiversity.

Raymond OmondiAY4F National Youth Facilitator, Kenya

The AfricanYouth4Forests workshop in Kitui (28–30 April 2025) proved that youth can be catalysts for Africa’s green transition. Participants went beyond voicing concerns—mapping forest ecosystems, generating green enterprise ideas, and co-designing a bold National Youth Declaration for Kenya’s forests. By merging local wisdom with scientific insight, they demonstrated that youth are not just beneficiaries but co-creators of sustainable forest solutions. The experience reaffirmed that when youth are empowered and trusted, they bring unmatched energy, creativity, and resolve to shaping Africa’s forestry future.