Date: May 8, 2024
Time: 3pm.- 4pm. (Cameroon time GMT+1)
Venue: Online (Zoom) REGISTER NOW

1. Background

Aspiration 6 of Agenda 2063 of the African Union (AU), places women and youth at the heart of development in Africa (1). Youth in particular constitute more than half of Africa’s population. Those aged 15 to 35 are estimated at more than 400 million by the AU (2). Yet they are marginalised in politics and electoral processes. In Cameroon for example, although measures have been taken by Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) to increase the registration of youth on the electoral lists (3), it should be noted that young people do not always exercise their right of vote at the various electoral events. In addition, youth, along with women, are the “social cadets” when it comes to the distribution of elective positions. Youth are either absent or under-represented in the National Assembly, the Senate, the local and regional councils. As the presidential and local elections are approaching in Cameroon, the Nkafu Policy Institute of the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation is organising a conversation to better understand the contours of the political engagement of youth in French-speaking Africa, based on the experience of Cameroon.

2. Objectives

The overall objective of this conversation is to analyse the participation and engagement of youth in politics and in electoral processes in Africa in general and in Cameroon in particular.

Specifically, it aims at:

• Analysing the evolution of youth’s political engagement and participation;
• Analysing the systemic, political, socio-economic and cultural factors that positively and/or negatively influence the political engagement and participation of youth;
• Identifying the expectations, concerns and perceptions of youth regarding the electoral process ;
• Proposing concrete solutions to encourage youth to become actively involved in the democratic process.

3. Event format

The event will take place online, via Zoom, and will be broadcast live on the Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation’s social media platforms.

4. Date and time of the event

The event will take place on May 8, 2024 from 3:00 pm. to 4:00 pm. Cameroon time (GMT+1).

5. Organizers

This event is organized by the Governance and Democracy Division of the Nkafu Policy Institute, a Think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation.

6. Panelists​

• Donald Malomba Esembe, Member of Parliament for the Buea city council of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement ( CPDM ).
• Pippie Hugues , Policy Analyst in Governance and Democracy (Moderator), Nkafu Policy Institute.

7. Participants

This debate is organized by the Governance and Democracy Division of the Nkafu Policy Institute. It is open to all without restriction.

8. Contacts

For more information, please contact us by email at: [email protected] or by telephone at: (+237) 222 31 15 84 / 654 86 72 54.