The event, organised in partnership with Strathmore University Business School (SBS), Strathmore University School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Youth Café, and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), focuses on the theme of Innovation, AI and Youth Employment.
Over 100 youth, senior policymakers, diplomats, academic and development practitioners from Africa and Europe joined the event. The discussions explored how innovation ecosystems and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming employment opportunities and the future of work for young Africans.
With around 70% of Sub-Saharan Africa’s population under 30, Africa’s young population represents enormous potential for economic and social transformation, but also faces persistent challenges including unemployment, economic insecurity and limited participation in decision-making. The rapid development of digital technologies and AI adds both new opportunities and questions around skills, access, and the future of work.
Giving the opening remarks, Dr Caesar Mwangi, Executive Dean, Strathmore University Business School, emphasised the importance of equipping young people with the skills and opportunities to contribute to Africa’s development. He noted that while AI presents significant possibilities, people remain at the centre of creating jobs, building enterprises and driving transformation.
Professor Johanna Mair, Director of the School of Transnational Governance, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to creating opportunities for the youth. “Strengthening the Africa-Europe partnership means creating opportunities for young people to learn from one another and shape shared solutions to global challenges. Through transnational education and cooperation, we can connect talent, knowledge and innovation across continents, equipping young people with the skills to navigate the changing world of work, including the opportunities and challenges brought by artificial intelligence.”
The two-day programme put young Africans at the centre of the conversation, combining policy dialogue and youth-led discussions with a practical Project Lab. Participants turned ideas into fundable project proposals, while young people will take active roles as speakers, chairs, facilitators and rapporteurs. The resulting projects and insights will feed into the AEYA Learning Platform, extending the discussion beyond Nairobi.
Speaking on behalf of JKUAT, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, Vice Chancellor, JKUAT, emphasised the University’s commitment to empowering the next generation of youth leaders.
“At JKUAT, our strength in engineering, agriculture and technology places us at the intersection of innovation and livelihoods. Our responsibility is to turn that strength into opportunity for young people; equipping them to apply AI, build sustainable industries and transform our food systems. We must prepare graduates not only to compete for the jobs of tomorrow, but to create them. Through partnerships such as the Africa-Europe Youth Academy, we can connect technical talent with the leadership, networks and entrepreneurial confidence to shape a future of work that leaves no young person behind.”
The Nairobi event seeks to position young people not merely as beneficiaries of development initiatives but as active contributors to innovation ecosystems and policy conversations that shape Africa’s future and its partnerships with Europe. Kenya was selected as the first host in recognition of its growing role in digital and green transitions and its expanding digital partnership with the European Union.
About the Africa-Europe Youth Academy
The Africa-Europe Youth Academy (AEYA) is a flagship initiative under the European Union’s Youth Action Plan in External Action, within the Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package and its Youth Mobility for Africa flagship.
The Academy forms part of a €50 million EU programme, with €15 million dedicated to the Academy component and additional funding supporting youth mobility through Erasmus+. Launched at the Global Gateway High-Level Education Event in March 2024 and subsequently in Dakar on 30 September 2025, the Academy is implemented by Expertise France in partnership with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). Its implementation period runs from February 2025 to January 2029 across 20 Sub-Saharan African countries. The initiative supports young people aged 18–30, with particular attention to young women and those in vulnerable situations, to become active contributors to sustainable development and stronger Africa-Europe relations.
Learn more about the STG's contribution to the Africa-Europa Youth Academy.
Discover the EUI Africa Initiatives.