Youth voices in East Africa are moving from the margins to the centre of decision-making. This was evident during the EAC Youth Dialogue with East African Legislators on the EAC Youth Policy Recommendations, where aspirations of young people were actively integrated into governance, policy frameworks, and regional engagement.
The two-day forum, held on 11 to 12 August 2025 at the EAC Secretariat in Arusha, Tanzania, was convened by the East African Youth Network (EAYN) in partnership with stakeholders, including GIZ through the EU co-funded LIFTED project. It brought together Members of Parliament from EAC Partner States, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), and over 100 youth representatives from across the region.
Under the theme “From Consultation to Action: Legislative Pathways and Popularisation Strategies for the EAC Youth Policy 2025–2030”, the dialogue doubled as a pre-commemoration of International Youth Day. Discussions centred on legislative engagement, regional collaboration, and strategies to ensure effective implementation and accountability of the new youth policy.
Speaking on behalf of the Rt. Hon. Speaker of EALA, Hon. Kacwamba Ansar, EALA Member from Tanzania, underscored youth participation as key to regional economic transformation. He reaffirmed EALA’s commitment to finalising the EAC Youth National Council Bill, operationalising the East African Legislative Youth Caucus, and advancing the Youth Policy. He also thanked partners, such as EAC–GIZ, for their role in reviewing and validating the policy.
GIZ's Economic Advisor – CSO Networks, Ms Joyce Kevin Abalo-Kimaro, applauded the inclusive process led by EAYN, the East African Community Youth Ambassadors Platform (EACYAP), and youth networks across the region. She noted that youth perspectives gathered through national consultations have laid a strong foundation for shaping policy over the next five years.
“We see you. We hear you. We stand with you. Your courage, creativity, and commitment are the driving force behind this process,” Ms Abalo emphasised. “Engaging actively in the upcoming validation processes will ensure the policy remains participatory, inclusive, and sustainable.”
The national consultations conducted across all Partner States provided concrete recommendations to strengthen the responsiveness and inclusivity of the draft EAC Youth Policy 2025–2030. These inputs now serve as a blueprint for legislative and programmatic action at both national and regional levels.