Where African & European Youth

THINK and ACT together.

          Dynamic

          Reporting

Discover all the projects in which the Clusters are involved

The Dynamic reporting System provides information on the key indicators of each project in which the HUB’s clusters are involved in. The data is collected, analysed, visualised and updated on the website quarterly.

 

The AU-EU Youth Hub is a multi-stakeholder platform, with Youth at its core, seeking to test new approaches in the African Union-European Union partnership. 

The Hub acts as a transformative and empowering force showing ways of bringing Africa and Europe closer in a win-win partnership, improving public welfare and revitalizing communities.

Within the Hub, Youth, AU & EU, Civil Society Organisations and private sector companies are prototyping ideas in reality; piloting them on a small scale but with maximum impact, visibility and result-evidence. Hundreds of Youth are involved locally in 7 pilot projects, unfolding in 17 countries of Africa & Europe for the benefit of an estimated 150.000 young people.

About the projects and CSOs

Looking ahead, each cluster collaborate with the CSOs in charge of implementing the project. Cluster members help to provide maximum visibility and added value where possible. The aim is to pioneer a dynamic monitoring method along the course of implementation.

Clusters & Experts

Business, Job Creation & Entrepreneurship

In Africa, the very high percentage of unemployed youth or young working poor is directly relevant to the priority of SDG1 (“End poverty in all its forms everywhere“).

In the EU, the multiplication of precarious jobs and non-standard forms of contracts and high levels of unemployment have long-term consequences for the earning potential of youth and their future opportunities, ultimately inhibiting economic innovation and jeopardising the achievement of (“Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all”).

The role of the private sector in generating jobs is key. But in order to attract responsible domestic and foreign investments, stable and open financial systems, an enabling investment climate and proactive job creation policies are required. At the same time, it is crucial to ensure that social protection systems are adequate and adapted to new forms of work.

Aba Esther Eshun

Aba Esther Eshun

Ghana

Aba is a doctoral student of University of Ghana, Legon. She holds a Bachelor in Agriculture and a Master of Philosophy in Agricultural Administration from the University. She has developed a career in food security, livelihood support and diversification and entrepreneurship activities with over 10 years work experience. She served as the Country Manager at AAIN, Operations Manager of an incubator and maternity cover for Private sector and secured livelihoods portfolio at Oxfam in Ghana working on Systems Innovation for Women Economic Empowerment (SIWEE). Her work has impacted over 5,000 entrepreneurs and youth, provided investment support, mentorship, facilitated market linkages and business networking for entrepreneurs, by incubating women and youth start-ups and developing public-private partnerships, with a focus in the agribusiness sector. She currently volunteers as a mentor and coaching expert for youth volunteers working for the Compassion in Ghana / Kasoa Youth and Child Development Center.
Jordan Stephanou

Jordan Stephanou

Cyprus Diaspora in South Africa

Jordan holds a Bachelor Degree in Health Science and a Master in Management of Innovation and Technology. After working in the private banking sector for 3 years, he founded tastePal, a pre-ordering App for the office catering sector, with the social mission to eradicate hunger in South Africa through meal contribution to NGOs. The App has partnered with FoodForward SA to strive towards the first two of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The App received multiple recognitions and nominations at international summits and competitions concerning innovative and tech startups.
Alieu Jallow

Alieu Jallow

Gambia

Alieu holds a Bachelor in Economics from the University of Gambia and Certificate in Business and Entrepreneurship from Northwestern University. He founded the Startup Incubator Gambia through which he incubated 62 young enterprises, accelerated 26 agribusiness enterprises thus contributing to create over 300 jobs in fashion, online services and agriculture. He is also the founder of Young Entrepreneurs Association and a board member of the ITC Youth Empowerment Project.
Andrew Ddembe

Andrew Ddembe

Uganda

Andrew Ddembe holds a first-class diploma in law from the Law Development Center of Uganda and an Honors degree in law (second class upper). He is a writer, lawyer by profession, innovator and serial entrepreneur. He runs businesses in agriculture, hospitality and digital health services. Andrew is a fellow of Anzisha, Africa's largest network of very young promising entrepreneurs. He is highly skilled in business negotiations and partnerships. Andrew is passionate about entrepreneurship and supporting fellow young entrepreneurs with free business advice. He has offered business coach support services to over 50 young entrepreneurs, many of whom have gone on to excel in the business world. He is a member of a number of young entrepreneur networks and associations across Africa. Finally, Andrew won many local and global awards for his entrepreneurial works and aims at using his talent to create a better world. Currently, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Mobiklinic Uganda, a fast-rising health company in Uganda.
Elena Bonell de Pascual

Elena Bonell de Pascual

Spain

Elena holds a Bachelor Degree in Social Sciences and a Master in International Economic Policy, both from Science Po Paris. After working at the EU Delegation in Senegal on the Economic Partnership Agreement, she joined Sagaci Research, a market intelligence firm working across Africa. She worked on consulting projects for big corporations and conducted census in many cities. She is currently working as an impact measurement consultant for social-driven startups across Africa and India in the sectors of agribusiness, technology and cosmetics. Her passion for sub-saharan african development has led her to be a board member of two foundations in Ghana. At Asheba Foundation she is in charge of alleviating menstrual poverty through menstrual cups and reusable pads and at Nasco she is piloting a project on tech outsourcing.
Yorick Bruins

Yorick Bruins

The Netherlands

Yorick is a specialist in sustainable food systems, agri and food value chains, and agri-businesses. He holds a Bachelor in Gastronomic Sciences from the University of Pollenzo, Italy, and a Master of Science in Food Policy from City University in London, where he presented two dissertations addressing economic exploitation and development as well as inequality in global value chains. For three years he has been engaged as an advisory board member of two organisations in Italy and the UK, with the goal to improve knowledge and understanding of food systems. Since 2016, Yorick has worked at Agriterra as a business advisor for farmer organisations across Eastern Africa and South Asia. He recently co-founded the social enterprise Wakuli with the aim of utilizing technology to connect farmers with consumers, thus addressing inequalities in global soft commodity supply chains.
Daniel Oulai

Daniel Oulai

Ivory Coast

Daniel is holder of a Master in Marketing Development and a Master in Agricultural Development. Daniel is CEO of the start-up "Grainotèque", a social and solidarity company specialized in services and tools in organic farming. In recognition of his achievements, he was selected as Ashoka Change Maker and was awarded the Orange Entrepreneurship Award 2018 and the "Pierre Castel Prize", endowed with the Pierre Castel Bordeaux Africa Endowment Fund.
Ismaeel Tharwat

Ismaeel Tharwat

Egyptian in diaspora in France

Ismaeel's passion lies in developing innovative, inclusive and accountable communities to build a better world. He is currently a PhD candidate in Economics in Paris, as well as a Business Development & Innovation Manager at Nile Capital Egypt. Ismaeel's diverse set of professional experiences include stints in government, startups and Fortune 500 companies. Most recently in 2017, Ismaeel served as Dr. Hisham ElSherif's Assistant Minister for Local Development in Egypt, where he led the economic team in the planning and first phase implementation of the World Bank's 500 million-dollar Upper Egypt Local Economic Development Program. In 2016, he worked as a growth marketer for Egypt's fastest growing startup, the YC backed Instabug. Prior to that, Ismaeel worked as a Financial Services Consultant for IBM Global Business Services in Paris, France. Ismaeel also has a diverse academic background. Prior to his PhD, Ismaeel earned 3 Master Degrees; 1) a Master in Business Decision Engineering from EPF-Ecole d'Ingénieurs in Paris, 2) a Master in Economics & Management of the Digital Economy & Network Industries from Paris Saclay University and 3) a Master in Economics with a specialization in Financial Economics from Ecole Polytechnique & HEC Paris. As an undergraduate at the American University in Cairo, Ismaeel double majored in Construction Engineering & Economics. Ismaeel has always been involved in developmental initiatives including being co-founder and president of Junior Enterprise Egypt, a student-led organization promoting entrepreneurship and providing affordable consultancy services to SMEs.

Discover the Business cluster’s pilot project

Culture, Sports & Arts

Culture, arts, sports and inter-cultural dialogue can foster understanding among citizens and states. They can therefore contribute to address major global challenges – such as conflict prevention and resolution, integration of refugees, prevention of violent extremism, and protection of cultural heritage.

The culture sector is also increasingly a source of job creation, contributing to growth, and an excellent conduit for promoting social inclusion. The 2030 Agenda marks a substantial step forward for culture as it is the first time that the global development framework refers to culture in relation to several SDGs (education, sustainable cities, food security, the environment, economic growth, sustainable consumption and production patterns, peaceful and inclusive societies).

Ebenezer Agu

Ebenezer Agu

Nigeria

Ebenezer holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Literary Studies. He is a poet and an essayist. He is editor-in-chief at 20.35 Africa, an anthology of contemporary poetry featuring young (resident and diaspora) African poets. He is also poetry editor at 14, a collective of young Nigerian artists that publishes queer art. He has also contributed reviews and interviews to Brittle Paper, Africa's foremost arts and culture online platform, and has also worked as a copy-editor for some book publications.
Aude Taligrot

Aude Taligrot

France

Aude holds a Bachelor in Social Development and two Masters in Cooperation, International Solidarity and Social Economy. Furthermore, she followed trainings on volunteering, global citizenship, sustainable development. Since 2009, her work experience has been mainly in France and Senegal on projects to support youth initiatives and focused on education and culture. For the past five years she has been a board member of an association that promotes African culture in France. She also co-founded a French-based association to support and accompany project leaders, which is currently supporting projects in music, circus, and dance.
Romuald Parfait Ngomssi Ngomssi

Romuald Parfait Ngomssi Ngomssi

Cameroon

Romuald is a last year Ph/D researcher in Performing Arts and Cinematography, ambitious and goal-orientated hard worker. His research focuses on educational films and television. Since Decembre 2018 he is the artistic director and communication manager of I-Studio (which is an audiovisual and digital production house based in Yaounde). He is also the Executive Director of the People's Theatre and Cinema for Social Change association. From 2017 to 2018 he was the project manager for youth and envoy for cultural activities for the network of ‘Alliance Française de Roumanie’ where he has launched the first pocket film festival for bilingual schools. Flexible and able to adapt himself in various situations, he is a monitor at University of Yaounde 1 since 2015, where he teaches theatre education and cinema for social change. He has acquired experience in the field of cultural industries, communication and applied arts during the past eight years both in the university and professional milieu. His expertise also aligned with film, radio and television production.
Sandy Alibo

Sandy Alibo

Ghana - France

Sandy holds a Master in Multimedia Strategy. Her employment experience is mainly focused on democratization and easy access to sports and eco-citizenship. In 2016 she founded a community-based collective of surfers and skateboarders, which engages in eco-citizenship activities. She has a total of 10 years of experience in sports within the private sector.
Clemence Nahimana

Clemence Nahimana

Rwanda

Clemence holds a Bachelor Degree in Art and Education. She is an experienced theatre playwright /Director, film writer and actress. Since 2007 she had contributed to writing, acting and directing different radio dramas, sketches and stage performances in schools, colleges, organizations as well as in Rwandan community. She works as a scriptwriter since 2015 at La Benevolencija Grands Lacs, a Dutch NGO focused on unity and reconciliation, peace building and art through the Rwandan popular Radio Drama Called Musekeweya (New dawn). She is one of the leading Rwandan female comedians. She founded Feruje Comedy for peace education, gender equality, Culture promotion as well as social inclusiveness. She co-founded Double C Technology Solutions with the main focus to disadvantaged youth and women in order to contribute to Rwanda economic growth and Sustainable development through new ICT job creation.

Discover the Culture, Sports & Arts cluster’s pilot project

Education

Education and skills are vital to enable young people to become active citizens and to provide them with opportunities. Sustainable investment in education and the promotion of lifelong learning is the best protection against poverty and to foster the acquisition of the necessary competences to be an active and independent citizens.

Under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, States have committed to SDG4: “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”.

Marilena Maragkou

Marilena Maragkou

Greece

Marilena holds a Bachelor in Management & Business Administration and a Msc in International Marketing. From 2013 to 2018 she worked on European projects at the University of Piraeus in diverse capacities, collaborating with the EU Representation in Greece and the European Parliament Information Office. She is the co-founder of an educational project that was implemented in 7 African countries, entitled WE AfriHug, aiming at empowering African youth with skills needed for the 21st Century and raising awareness about study opportunities through Erasmus +. Thousands of students and academic staff were reached in universities and secondary schools across 7 countries throughout 7 months and synergies have been created between African and Greek universities.

Aoudou Mounchili

Aoudou Mounchili

Cameroon

At 29, Mounchili Aoudou has seven years experience in Education. With four years experience as Teacher at secondary level he fully understands what teaching and learning means and how they happen. Since 2015, he dedicates his time advocating for access and quality of education, and implements alternative education solutions to equip youth with skills and competences they need to express their full potential.The realities of conflicts and crisis for education present a significant challenge to reaching education goals in Africa and Europe. His brings in his experience in hard to reach areas and in emergency contexts. He also has extensive experience working with Associations NGOs, Intergovernmental organizations and UN agencies on topics including girls and women’s rights, youth economic empowerment, democratic governance, peace building.
Ademulegun Olowojoba

Ademulegun Olowojoba

Nigeria

Ademulegun Olowojoba is a human capital development specialist who works closely with government and private sector institutions in developing quality human capital development systems for young Africans.
Ademulegun holds a Bachelor in Engineering, a diploma in Data Journalism and an executive certificate in Social Sector Management. From 2014 – 2016, he served as the founding curator of opportunitiesforyouths.com, an online community that connects young people with education and development opportunities.

Between 2016 and 2018 he served as a project team member of ReadysetWork, an initiative by Lagos’ State Government to improve graduate employability across tertiary institutions within the State. In 2016, he led Community Affairs for Microsoft Nigeria, where he was responsible for implementing the youth employment and digital skills development efforts of the organization in Nigeria, reaching over 25,000 youth. In 2017 he served as the pioneer Project Lead of CodeLagos, an initiative sponsored by the Lagos State Ministry of Education. He supervised the expansion of the program to +300 coding centres and over 40,000 beneficiaries.
In 2018, he founded codetutor.com.ng, a startup that is committed to making computer science education and technology skills accessible to young Nigerians while also creating access to decent job opportunities and on this role he has led the training of over 5,000 beneficiaries.

Shimma Mohammed

Shimma Mohammed

Egypt

I am a Science graduate, working as an Operations manager for an innovative social enterprise called Olomangy. 5 years ago I havefounded Olomangy depending on personal funding, it is working on improving the quality of education (SDG4) especially STEAMeducation in Africa through learning by doing programs and designing up to date interactive STEAM content, we have reachedover 13000 teacher and students in Africa, in addition, we have simplified STEAM content for around 40000 followers on our socialmedia channels. Last year, African Union selected Olomangy as one of the top 50 education innovators in Africa at the innovativeeducation conference in Senegal. Lately, we are working on 2 initiatives, the first one aims to raise the awareness of STEAMeducation especially digital education in rural African communities, the second one aims to digitalize the STEAM content in shapeof practical website that will be accessible for teachers, home schooling parents and students especially in North Africa.

Last year, I was in Uganda with my Japanese college (JICA advisor) to train 1540 students and teacher in rural areas on how to simplify STEAM Education using surrounding cheap local materials, it was a successful trip, our reach was 1540 students and theirteachers plus the national training centre of Science trainers. 

2017/2018, I was deployed by African Union to work at CEMASTEA Kenya research centre which works on improving STEMeducation in Africa especially through teacher training. I have 6 years' experience in STEAM education field working for differententities in different countries like Future University in Egypt, CEMASTEA Kenya, International organizations like African Union,enterprise, NGOs and Multinational Company like Nagwa which is specialized in digital education, I also received differentinternational trainings and participated in different programs that works on enhancing the STEAM education in Africa. Recently Ihave been awarded a scholarship form Alghurair foundation to start my online master at Arizona State University in EducationTechnology.

Discover the Education cluster’s pilot project

Environmental Preservation & Climate Change

Climate change is affecting every country on every continent. People around the world are experiencing the significant impacts of climate change, including changing weather patterns, rising sea level, and more extreme weather events. Climate change finds its origins in human activities and in greenhouse gas emissions.

Without action, the world’s average surface temperature is projected to continue rising and to surpass 3°C this century. Therefore, SDG13 urges to “Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts”. The poorest and most vulnerable people are most affected by the impacts of climate change. Outbreaks of infectious diseases and famines highlight the effects and inter-linkages of insecurity, climate change, and food and water shortages. These challenges have led to unprecedented levels of forced displacements in Africa.

Biao Affo

Biao Affo

Togo

Biao holds a Master of Engineering in Water and Forests with an elective in Natural Resources Ecology and Management. He boasts a broad experience in environment engineering, geographic information systems, rural development, green economy and human rights. He founded the “Climate Innovation Laboratory Togo” (CIL TOGO), which focuses on green innovation (eco-entrepreneurship) support through capacities building, consulting services and networking and events and forums.
Biao is currently working as Analyst for Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI)- Governance Togo supporting the ministry in charge of agriculture for execution and "Delivery" in implementation priority projects and for foreign investments’ promotion and facilitation.

Komi Elom Claude Sodokin

Komi Elom Claude Sodokin

Togo - France

Komi founded a start-up at the age of 17 and he is the founder and leader of a youth platform (Ecolotrip) on climate change. For three years, he has been responsible for project development and management in a local startup, with a goal was to provide local, namely rural, population with biogas and electricity produced from manure. He gained a Bachelor in Mines and Environment in Niger and a specialization in Engineering, with a major in electronuclear installations at the College of High Level studies in Caen, France.

Antonette Ncube

Antonette Ncube

Botswana

Antonette is one of the IUPAC Next Generation Programme 2019 Alumni and also an Agriprenuer N-GAGE Champion for Solar Charged Drone intergration in Crop Protection based in Botswana. She is an experienced Agronomist, an AgVocate and a Youth Expert in the Environmemtal Preservation and Climate Change Cluster for the AU-EU Youth Hub. She is an Open Source Leader of the Commonwealth100 through the Common Purpose Initiative. She has a profound knowledge and experience in related topics such as food security, agribusiness, climate smart agricultural approaches, transformational resilience thinking techniques and precision farming. She is also an Agricultural YouTube Vlogger, using her native language and English to inspire young people across the world towards perceptions built around Agriculture.

Gerard Okowonko

Gerard Okowonko

Nigeria

Okonkwo Gerard, is a 2017 MSc graduate of forest and nature conservation, Wageningen University, in the Netherlands. Gerard currently works as a junior researcher in environment, collaborates in Climate change intervention projects in the Netherlands, has strong project monitoring/environmental impact assessment experience, and has also been a youth-member of the IUCN- ecosystem management commission since 2015. He did research for one year on desertification and drought resistant trees in Ghana, resulting in a video interview with the National geographic magazine published in September 2017. Gerard has volunteered in Elephant conservation/environmental monitoring research in both Nigeria and Ghana. He was the President of the African student community at his university, learning from African refugees about the disruptive displacement impacts of climate change. In September 2017, he was selected to participate as an environment and climate change fellow during the AU-EU Youth Plug-In Initiative and contributed in the development of the youth agenda, the basis for the current AU-EU Youth Cooperation Hub pilot project. He now provides support to the Environment and Climate Change cluster of the Hub.

Discover the Environment cluster’s pilot project

Governance, Political Inclusion & Democratic Inclusion

Governance, development and security are closely interlinked. Resilient societies, with accountable, democratic and transparent institutions in which human rights are respected, are much more likely to enjoy sustainable development and stability. Inclusive  participation  of  citizens  in  public  decision  making  and,  in  particular,  the involvement of youth and women in formal political processes can increase trust in state institutions.

Strong, transparent and efficient institutions are key in areas such as public finance management, the fight against corruption and fraud or domestic revenue mobilisation, a prerequisite for the state being able to deliver, which is often undermined by Illicit Financial Flows. This situation is meant to be addressed under SDG16, which is dedicated to the provision of access to justice for all, and to building effective, accountable institutions at all levels (“Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels”).

Benjamin Mwape

Benjamin Mwape

Zambia

A dynamic and accomplished communication specialist by profession and youth development expert, Benjamin brings to the AU-EU Youth Cooperation Hub over ten years experience in the international development sector, successfully implementing communications & advocacy strategies as well as youth development projects for governments, civil society and UN agencies. He has been actively involved in shaping policy and practice through youth-led accountability models that engage young people and policy makers. He was equally instrumental in the review of the national youth policy in Zambia as well as serving on the board of the National Youth Development Council as an adviser to the Minister of Youth. Benjamin uses his communication skills and experience to advocate for greater youth participation in governance at national, regional and international platforms.

Mildred Nzau

Mildred Nzau

Kenya

Mildred is a self-proclaimed Youth Futurist who believes that the potential and success of Africa lies within its young people. She has a vast experience in championing innovative youth engagement strategies, conducting advocacy and driving policy and legislative interventions. Her work on the #DearPolitician campaign resulted in more than 7.5million youth getting involved in setting young people’s election agenda. She has also been involved in building the capacities of women to run for office while focusing on issue-based politics and encouraged youth to support the candidacy of women. Her engagement in advocacy resulted in the implementation of the Nairobi Youth Advisory Board. She has been an online researcher volunteer with the UNDP for country updates on South Sudan and Libya. She has experience in training more than 1000 youth in local accountability with the scorecard method, and in youth focus groups to contribute to county planning. Currently, she has taken on the task of building and strengthening Youth Networks towards active citizenship in Tanzania, Nepal, Bangladesh and Cambodia and is supporting active citizenship of youth volunteers in her current role as the International Citizen Service Youth Engagement Officer at Voluntary Services Oversees.
Brian Mafuso

Brian Mafuso

Zimbabwe

Brian Mafuso is a Sexual and Reproductive Health advocate who is passionate about the empowerment of youth, women and girls. In his career he has worked towards the formulation, implementation and monitoring of programs and policies that address Gender Inequality, HIV and the AIDS epidemic. Previously, Brian has worked with National AIDS Council, UNAIDS, UNFPA and other partners in strengthening and advancing accountability mechanisms towards governments and other stakeholders in commitments made to end the AIDS epidemic through the 90-90-90 goals. In 2016, in solidarity with other organisation he led various consultations that influenced the constitutional landmark ruling outlawing Child Marriage in Zimbabwe. He has also served in various youth-led organizations including the Young People’s Network on Sexual Reproductive Health, which is the Zimbabwean country Chapter of African Youth and Adolescents Network (AfriYan) which advocates for the equal rights of young people. Brian currently serves at UNFPA in Ethiopia where he supports the advancement of the rights of women and girls in the Continent. He is a holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Politics and Public Management from the Midlands State University in Zimbabwe
Ismaeel Tharwat

Ismaeel Tharwat

Egyptian in diaspora in France

Ismaeel's passion lies in developing innovative, inclusive and accountable communities to build a better world. He is currently a PhD candidate in Economics in Paris, as well as a Business Development & Innovation Manager at Nile Capital Egypt. Ismaeel's diverse set of professional experiences include stints in government, startups and Fortune 500 companies. Most recently in 2017, Ismaeel served as Dr. Hisham ElSherif's Assistant Minister for Local Development in Egypt, where he led the economic team in the planning and first phase implementation of the World Bank's 500 million-dollar Upper Egypt Local Economic Development Program. In 2016, he worked as a growth marketer for Egypt's fastest growing startup, the YC backed Instabug. Prior to that, Ismaeel worked as a Financial Services Consultant for IBM Global Business Services in Paris, France. Ismaeel also has a diverse academic background. Prior to his PhD, Ismaeel earned 3 Master Degrees; 1) a Master in Business Decision Engineering from EPF-Ecole d'Ingénieurs in Paris, 2) a Master in Economics & Management of the Digital Economy & Network Industries from Paris Saclay University and 3) a Master in Economics with a specialization in Financial Economics from Ecole Polytechnique & HEC Paris. As an undergraduate at the American University in Cairo, Ismaeel double majored in Construction Engineering & Economics. Ismaeel has always been involved in developmental initiatives including being co-founder and president of Junior Enterprise Egypt, a student-led organization promoting entrepreneurship and providing affordable consultancy services to SMEs.
Inge Meesak

Inge Meesak

Estonia

Inge has worked in the humanitarian and international development fields in Europe and Africa for a number of years, focusing primarily on social accountability, youth inclusion, women’s empowerment, and poverty alleviation. Currently, she supports several non-profit, private, and public sector organisations build sustainable good governance frameworks as well as with project management, monitoring and evaluation, and investigations. Inge also co-founded and at present co-leads a start-up that focuses on young women’s financial empowerment through education, confidence building, and community creation. As part of the latter role, she frequently conducts trainings, provides coaching, and mentoring to young people, especially women. Previously, she led a capacity building project on quality programming and accountability in South Sudan, worked in monitoring and evaluation for the UN Joint Inspection Unit in Geneva, and supported a project improving youth awareness and involvement in policy and diplomacy in Estonia. Inge holds degrees from HKUST and UCL.
Nondumiso Hlophe

Nondumiso Hlophe

Kingdom of Eswatini

Hlophe is Founding Curator and Director of Global Shapers Community: Mbabane Hub, a registered youth-led Non Profit Organisation that is a part of the World Economic Forum initiative, in the Kingdom of Eswatini. She holds a Bachelor’s in Political and International Studies from Rhodes University. Impassioned by the quality education and gender equality, her work in policy is driven by the desire to see both achieved through good governance. Noni was named an inaugural Queen's Young Leader by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and a Commonwealth Young Achiever in 2015. She was named a policy influencer on SADC’s Top 100 Youth list in 2018. Noni is also an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society and serves as an advisor to the Queen's Commonwealth Trust.

Discover the Governance cluster’s pilot project

Peace and Security, including Prevention Violent Extremism

European and African interests are strongly intertwined when it comes to peace and security. Terrorism, violent extremism and transnational organised crimes, such as trafficking in human beings, as well as more traditional threats to peace and stability (intra-state conflicts, local conflicts over resources, electoral violence, armed robbery and piracy etc.), all constitute symptoms of deeper structural instability and fragility. SDG16 is dedicated to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.

Imrana Buba

Imrana Buba

Nigeria

Imrana holds an MSc in Africa and International Development from the University of Edinburgh, UK. He is the founder and coordinator of the Youth Coalition Against Terrorism (YOCAT) for the past 7 years, which engages in youth-led peacebuilding activities in Nigeria. Through his association he managed to involve more than 600 multi-stakeholder volunteers, to reach out to 8000 students, to train more than 50 teachers and to partner with 10 enterprises for skills and jobs for 276 youth. He is a Generation Change Fellow of the US Institute of Peace (USIP), and he participated in the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre's expert meetings that conceptualized a handbook to assist victims of terrorism.
Antoine Delens

Antoine Delens

Belgium

Antoine Delens holds a Master's in European Studies from the University of Liege and an MSc. in International Conflict and Cooperation from the University of Stirling. He currently works at the Office of the Commissioner-General for Refugees and Stateless Persons in Belgium, conducting interviews with asylum seekers from Palestine, Western Balkans and West Africa and drawing up decisions on international protection and refugee status. Before, He worked for the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the European Directorate and at the Belgium Permanent Representation to the EU on migration issues. In 2018, he was a political adviser on human rights issues inside the Rule of Law Mission of the EU in Kosovo. He is also a contributor to the International Review “Horizons Stratégiques” and he publishes regularly scientific articles in partnership with the Center for International Studies from the University of Liège.
Julie Feremans

Julie Feremans

Belgium

Julie Feremans holds a Master in Law from the University of Leuven and a MSc. in business and negotiation from IESEG School of Management. She currently works for the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the economic interests section on topics such as conflict minerals and economic sanctions. Before she worked for the Ministry of the Interior, where she was the project manager of BOUNCE Resilience and Family Support, two EU-co-funded projects on radicalization, and for the Ministry of Justice, where she drafted texts on military law and terrorism for the Public Prosecution Office. She is an active member of several youth networks such as the UNAOC fellows, the ONE Campaign and Amnesty International.
Oyewole Oginni

Oyewole Oginni

Nigeria

Oyewole currently works as a researcher at the Center for Development Researcher (ZEF), Bonn, and he is also a doctoral candidate at the University of Bonn, Germany. His ongoing doctoral thesis focuses on ‘the everyday life of the displaced families in the frontline cities of the Lake Chad Basin.’ He holds MSc Degrees in Governance and Regional Integration, and Forensic Science (Criminal Investigation), and Pg. Diploma (ongoing) in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Previously, Oyewole was one of the 36 fellows under AU-EU Youth Plug-in Initiative (AUEU YPII) who participated in the development of proposal that formed the six clusters of the AUEU YCH. He has also served as the Senior Correspondent, Deputy Director and Director of the Africa Division of the World Peace (OWP, Canada), engaged more than 1000 youths on peacebuilding. Oyewole later became the Director of the Inside Africa, a quarterly OWP Magazine and Report on peace and conflict prevention initiatives across Africa. He worked as an EFHR Fellow at the Common Ground Centre (Kenya) on “international human rights policy and practice on religious intolerance and discrimination” and supported the crowdfunding for Syria victims. Other capacities in which he has served include Endowment Fund Officer (Kalube Consult Ltd, Uganda-Cameroon), international election observer (Carter Centre, USA, in Kenya’s General Elections), Junior researcher (West Africa Institute, Praia, Cabo Verde) and Research consultant (CWhaD, Nigeria). Oyewole is a recipient of the DAAD-EPOS (Germany), AfDB research fund via PAU (AUC), African Union Scholarship (AUC), ANAN Award (Nigeria), EFHR Research Fellowship (CGC) and an alumnus of the Leading in the Public Life, Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, UCT (South Africa), amongst others.

Saad Mbingah

Saad Mbingah

Tanzania

Saad Mbingah is working as Program Coordinator for Medipeace Tanzania supporting humanitarian assistance and healthcare to vulnerable populations. He pursued Bachelor’s degree of Arts in Community Development from University of Iringa-Tanzania. He worked for the UNDP as Field Facilitator under Preventing and Responding to Violent Extremism (PVE) of which he supported 6 groups of the at-risk youth to establish business, trained more than 250 women in peace, signs of radicalization, violence and coexistence. Saad is among few Tanzanians selected from Commonwealth to participate in the Training of Trainers in Youth, Peace advocacy and Interfaith dialogue in Uganda. Saad has successfully documented the sustainable impact of smallholder’s farmer’s in horticulture project as part of International Citizen Services project under VSO. Beside this, he volunteered as a COVID-19 Champion team leader for UNICEF during the first wave of the pandemic. He has been engaged in global activities as Humanitarian Ambassador at Global Goodwill Ambassadors (GGA), Global Peace Ambassador at Global Peace Chain. Lastly, He is an IEP Ambassador and alumna for (YALI) East Africa. Saad is interested in learning Arabic and Spanish in addition to English and Kiswahili.

Discover the Peace & Security cluster’s pilot project

Digital Cluster

All of the Hub pilot projects have a strong digital dimension. The Digital Cluster will support the CSOs in the implementation of the pilot projects from a technological standpoint, hand-in-hand with the youth of the other clusters. The Digital Cluster will bring their expertise in project management, design of online tools and online data management and many other cutting edge digital skills tohelp reinforce the work done by the other clusters and CSOs.

Hagar Ahmed

Hagar Ahmed

Egypt

A computer specialist with 6 years’ experience in the Egyptian government, Hager work as an ICT Officer (Youth Volunteer) at the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN), the specialised language agency of the African Union Commission, in Bamako Mali, since April 2019. She earned my Bachelor degree in Information Systems from Helwan University in Egypt.

She previously interned with EdTech startup Marj3, and Startup Without boarders for Refugee entrepreneurs and got selected by the Egyptian Scholar Lab working on a research called (Predicting Software Defects in Open Source Systems."). Hager completed a fellowship in at the iRights.Lab GmbH in Berlin. Her motto in life is: “I want us to ask ourselves every day, how are we using technology to make a real difference in people’s lives” President Barack Obama.

Andreas Holzinger

Andreas Holzinger

Germany

Andreas is a multi-lingual development professional working at the intersection of governance, inclusion, as well as human development with ample experience in quality research, budget and staff management as well as strategy innovation, notably in Sub-Saharan Africa. Proven ability in policy, project and relationship management, leading teams in various international contexts.
Denis Odhiambo

Denis Odhiambo

Kenya

Denis prides himself in his ability to wear many hats: he presents as an engineer, system architect, technical project manager, and product(s) owner. Moreover, his recent roles have him sitting on regional technical advisory boards for his company.

With an educational background in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering (BSc. Aerospace), Advanced Robotics (MSc.), and Automatic Control (MSc.); and a career that started off with the world’s largest aerospace companies, he made an interesting detour into software system design, and later hybrid system architecture (large-scale Embedded Systems, IoT, Cloud Infrastructure, and App development and integration).

In his roughly 10-year career, he has worked in various industries – spanning Aerospace (aircraft design), semiconductor (microchip) manufacturing, (countrywide) traffic system design and management, and consumer electronics design and manufacturing. Nonetheless, his focus has always been on leading the development of cutting-edge technical solutions, while giving the end products a human face.

Adegoke Temitayo

Adegoke Temitayo

Nigeria

Temitayo is a chief solutions architect with over a decade of experience in software development and business management. He works closely with the government, the private sector, and NGOs to create digital solutions. He is the founder of Euidem Technologies, a one-stop IT solution from based in Nigeria and serving clients worldwide. He founded Euidem Academy as an NGO in 2013 and since then trained over 10,000 Africans in different aspects of IT. He has co-founded a number of thriving startups and is on the board of a few more. He pioneers the Skillup Africa project, which is a graduate empowerment accelerator. He has a Bachelor of Technology in Microbiology, an executive certificate in Entrepreneurial Management, and Nonprofit Leadership management from the Lagos Business School.

In 2013, he leads a number of state-wide projects in Ogun state, helping over 5000 individuals get access to computer education, a get that earned him a state honours award from the State Government. He has since then been leading Tech teams at Euidem Technologies, creating hundreds of digital solutions to specific needs. Temitayo is a lead trainer for Google Nigeria on CS projects for kids, a country ambassador on Africa Code Week, and a delivery partner to the Lagos State Government's Ministry of Education on CodeLagos, a project aimed at training 1 million people how to code. Temitayo is an avid project manager with a special interest in research and business process development.

Tatiana Houndjo

Tatiana Houndjo

Benin

Tatiana, who grew up in Benin, is a young graduate with three years experiences in technology (web development, network and information system). She advocates for girls and women’s inclusion in technologies fields through communities engagement, driven by her belief in youth especially girls empowerment through digital literacy, leadership and entrepreneurship spirit as the key for the future.

Tatiana is experienced in Virtualization and data storage, Switching and routing, SAN, LAN and WAN, Network services on Linux and Windows, IT risk management, Cybersecurity, Database administration, Web development , digital marketing.
Her work and dedication to sharing her knowledge has led her to be named as a 2020 Harvard Crossroads Young Leaders and be selected as a European Development Days Young Leader in 2019.

Salmane Tamo

Salmane Tamo

Niger

Salmane is a software engineer with experience in the development of web and mobile applications. Over the last 3 years, he has been involved in the co-founding of two tech startups: PrAnalytics (a software development agency) and tutoo+ (an e-learning platform dedicated to teach Tech and Entrepreneurship in Francophone Africa). He has been mainly acting as a software engineer developing applications using technologies such as Laravel, Vue JS, Spring Boot, Flutter, etc.

He has had the chance to work with several institutions across the continent including MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank) in Mauritius, the African Leadership University in Rwanda, L'Agence Nationale pour la Société de l'Information in Niger, etc. These experiences have strengthened his belief in the power of technology to solve some of the most pressing needs across the African continent and the world at large.

Annette Sagri

Annette Sagri

Estonia

Passionate about emerging technologies and ICT4D, Annette is focused on creating inclusive and better quality services for both the public and private sectors. Based in London, she currently works in the economic growth team of a global development consultancy, focusing on providing creative and innovative solutions to build long-lasting positive impact. In particular, Annette works closely with governments and businesses to improve competitiveness, enhance performance, and contribute to sustainable growth.sectors.

Previously, she has been a senior manager at TransferWise, one of Europe’s most successful FinTechs with a mission to make finance transparent and accessible to all, as well as contributed to UN reporting on SDGs relating to e-government in Estonia. Annette holds a degree in Hispanic studies, and has been a team lead in AIESEC, the largest youth-run organisation, empowering young people to make a positive impact on society.

Alumni

These outstanding people served as AU EU Youth Hub Young Experts in the past. All our gratitude goes to them along with best wishes for their futures.

Aryana Francesca Urbani

Aryana Francesca Urbani

Italy

Aryana recently worked at the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations in New York, focusing on conflict prevention and peacekeeping transitions. Previously, she was a trainee in the Crises and Fragility team at the OECD, where she analysed donor policies in crisis and post-crisis contexts. She’s the founder of “Imagined Borders”, an online advocacy platform covering migration, forced displacement and statelessness. Born in Iran, she holds a Master of Research in International Relations from Université Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne, where she specialised in political sociology and the social dynamics of civil wars.
Audrey Giacomini

Audrey Giacomini

France

Audrey holds a dual Bachelor in Political Science and a Master in International Affairs. Following a short experience at the EU Delegation in Eritrea, she worked for 2 years as the Education and Vocational Training Programme Coordinator at Total in Uganda. After working in the higher education sector, where she was in charge of Master and dual degree programs, she joined in 2017 the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) as Head of Programs. In her current position, she aims to foster new approaches in education and to build the future of education through collaboration.
Yonas-Sebastian Fall

Yonas-Sebastian Fall

France

Yonas holds a Master in Management. He has seven years of working experience in sustainable investment, consulting and impact evaluation. He has almost five years of experience in a senior management position, overseeing consulting and research projects in various fields such as migration, education, private sector development and sustainability.

Martin Dethier

Martin Dethier

Belgium

Martin qualified as a lawyer in Belgium and has experience in working embedded within the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Djibouti. His expertise embraces legal technical assistance, policy advice, legal reform, public-private partnerships as well as legal capacity building. He writes for a monthly EU law journal.

He has built his experience with youth engagement with associations promoting education for all and youth participation in political debates, as well as with student representation.

Safi Sabuni

Safi Sabuni

Congolese (Democratic Republic) in diaspora in Sweden

Safi holds a degree in Public Relations majoring in Peace and Development studies. Her expertise is focused on international education and youth mobility, and capacity building of youth. Safi’s experience comes from working for 7 years with the European-wide networks Erasmus Student Network, Eurodesk and Erasmus+ Student and Alumni Association. Through her engagement she has worked with the European Union, the Council of Europe and several international NGOs. She has coordinated international activities and research projects, liaised for advocacy processes and facilitated cross-sectorial cooperation. As former President of the Erasmus Student Network, she has lead a network of 15.000 volunteers in 40 countries.
Lusanda Magwape

Lusanda Magwape

South Africa

Lusanda is an admitted Attorney who holds a Master in Commercial Law. She is the founder of Dream Factory Foundation that seeks to empower youth-at-risk through educational programmes that train participants to transition successfully into adulthood and contribute back to society through their dreams and aspirations. In 2015 she spearheaded a social enterprise which was awarded the Google Rise Award and listed in the 2017 Social Enablers "100 most inspiring Social Entrepreneurs worldwide". As a CIVICUS member, Lusanda was selected to represent the voice of youth-led and grassroots NGOs that seek to have greater access to the EU partnership process at the 2018 EU Partnership Forum. She is also a Global Shaper and Facebook Community Leader Fellow.
Daphne Van Dam

Daphne Van Dam

The Netherlands

Daphne holds a Master of Science in International Development Studies. Over the course of her studies she interned and worked for several (international) governmental institutions in both Europe and Africa. In her spare time, Daphne also volunteered for three years (as a coach) using sports as an educational tool for marginalized youth. She recently founded a jewelry company through which she fuses West-African beads made from recycled glass in her Dutch designs to symbolize intercultural dialogue. She currently works as a Young Expert Private Sector Development at Cordaid on projects in fragile and conflict-affected states. As a natural project leader, Daphne translates out-of-the box ideas into practical actions, often by creating visualizations and workable mock-ups for the solution. As William Plomer wrote, “Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected.” Daphne integrates this idea in all her adventures.
Ioannis Papgeorgiou

Ioannis Papgeorgiou

Greece

Ioannis holds Bachelor degrees in Electrical Engineering and Technical Education, a Master of Science in Environmental and Resource Management and a Masters in Geographical Information Systems. His experience focuses on renewable energy, cartography, sustainability, corporate & social responsibility, and green finance. For the last three years he has been working for the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) across Europe, Africa and the Middle East on renewable energy, environment and energy security.

Hatoumata Magassa

Hatoumata Magassa

Mali - France

Hatoumata has work experience in the fields of private sector development in Africa, embracing the areas of impact investing, start-ups incubation and digitalization. She is the Manager of the AFIDBA program, aimed at financing and developing African start-ups that have social and digital components at Bond'innov. According to Forbes Magazine, Hatoumata is a central element of the new French policy in terms of financing african start-ups. Hatoumata is also the founder and President of an NGO dedicated to youth empowerment through American urban culture. She is also a Sciences Po Paris graduate.
Anaïs Amazit

Anaïs Amazit

Algeria - France

Anaïs holds a Bachelor in Applied Foreign Languages and a Master in Management. She has developed a vast experience on social and solidarity economy and solar energy. She currently serves as the Regional Coordinator Africa for a civil society organisation, where she is responsible for the construction and implementation of two vocational training centers in solar energy, for illiterate or semi-literate rural women.

Mathias Leopoldie

Mathias Leopoldie

Greece

Mathias holds a double degree in Corporate and Public management. His experience was developed across Europe and Francophone Africa, notably Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mali and Ivory Coast. After a two year professional journey focusing on mobile payments in West Africa, he launched a mobile money app to reduce transfer costs for end users: Julaya
Varpu Vasko

Varpu Vasko

Finland

Varpu holds a MsC in Environmental Studies with a minor in Development studies. Her employment and volunteering history encompasses several areas, ranging from WASH, waste management, smart cities, ecology, energy, ethical trade and adult education. Varpu grew her experience throughout Europe, Africa and East Asia. She has worked as the Product Manager on energy and eco efficiency services in an international facility services company for the past two years.

Sesame Mogotsi

Sesame Mogotsi

Botswana

Sesame Mogotsi is a Social Justice Campaigner with over 4 years experience in advocacy, engaging youth in peacebuilding, and poverty eradication. She is the Founder of The Metamorphosis Project, an NGO that delivers educational programmes that help build youth resilience to violent extremism and activities centred on women and girls empowerment. Previously, she was the Country Coordinator of the Commonwealth Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (CYPAN) in Botswana, she spearheaded the design and implementation of the Peace Education Programme which reached well over 5 000 youth between 2017 and 2019. Sesame is a certified Trainer, equipped to deliver the iDove Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) training. She holds a BA in Political Science and Public Administration and is an alumna of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Southern Africa.
Yasmine Ouirhane

Yasmine Ouirhane

Moroccan in diaspora in Italy

Yasmine is the newly recognized “Young European of the Year 2019”. She is a member of the European Youth Advocacy Team at the United Network of Young Peacebuilders and she was recently named EDD Young Leader by the European Commission.
She is also an award-winning fellow at WomenDeliver and a member of the Gender Innovation Agora at UN Women. Since the age of 16, she worked in underprivileged neighbourhoods of France, committed to address inequalities and promote social inclusion. Last year, she helped organising the YO!Fest, gathering 8000 youth at the European Parliament and she managed to sponsor a delegation of underprivileged students with a migrant background coming from France and Italy.

Etienne Reusner

Etienne Reusner

Germany

Etienne is a Franco-German citizen and holds a Master of Arts in International Relations and European Diplomacy from the College of Europe, completed with a Dissertation on EU-AU Relations for Development & Cooperation and Peace and Security. He also holds a Master in International and European Governance and a diploma from Sciences Po Lille, France with a special focus on conflict and development studies. Since 2017, he gained strong experience in engaging youth, local partners and stakeholders in peace building in Côte d’Ivoire through the organization “Interpeace”. In his work, Etienne contributes to local conflict management, to the reintegration of delinquent youth in the Ivorian school system and to support local governance processes. He has also contributed to draft the Report “Youth Speak Out!”, in favour of the participation of youth in peace and security processes in the Ivory Coast and the progress report of UNSCR 2250.

Najma Ahmed Hussein

Najma Ahmed Hussein

France - Somalia

Najma Ahmed Hussein is a program development specialist passionate about youth inclusion, knowledge management and strategic communications. Formerly with IOM in Niger, she worked on the development of the Niger Community Cohesion Initiative, a programme aimed at reducing the threats of violent extremism and armed conflict through small-scale intersectoral activities implemented in the regions of Diffa, Tillaberi and Agadez. A fervent advocate for knowledge management, Najma worked with IOM's Somalia Stabilization Initiative to collect best practices and lessons learned after three years of programming and more than 230 projects implemented in Mogadishu, South West and Jubaland States. A passionate advocate for access to information, she designed a 4-month radio campaign with the Ministry of Women's Affairs in Jubaland State to increase rural women's access to information on government services. Her interest in peacebuilding led her to travel to Morocco, Egypt, Qatar and Azerbaijan with UNAOC to examine practices to foster youth resilience to violent extremism and build sustainable peace. 

Events

Africa – Europe Week 2022

The Hub participated in Africa-Europe Week in many events, with some Young Experts even providing their thoughts in High Level Events.

Experts, legislators and youth from all over the EU and AU gathered to undertake problems facing youth and get their input. 

Africa-Europe Youth Meet-Up

The Africa-Europe Youth Meet-Up engaged African, European and diaspora Youth at large to exchange knowledge, ideas and solutions towards tackling global issues.

During a series of online panels our young experts discussed the results of UNICEF’s public Youth Consultation. We hosted Jane Goodale, Enrico Letta, Bobi Wine, Ilwad Elman and many other great speakers.

Paris Peace Forum

The Hub also had a dedicated event with participation from EU’s DEVCO Director General, AU’s High Representative for the Sahel, the President of the UN General Assembly, the International Trade Centre’s Executive Director, and Mo Ibrahim from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

More about us

Our Projects

Learn more about our 10 millions worth pilot projets  

Our History

Learn more about us, our achievements 

Our Partners

See the differents organisations/institutions we partner with.