Who we are

Southern Africa Youth Forum

The Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF) is a leading Pan-African platform committed to advancing youth leadership, influence, and participation in shaping sustainable development across the SADC region.

About us

The Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF) is a Pan-African regional development platform dedicated to empowering young people across the Southern African Development Community (SADC), spanning 16 member states.

SAYoF exists to ensure that youth are not passive participants, but active drivers of sustainable development, policy influence, and regional transformation. Through strategic partnerships and youth-centered platforms, SAYoF amplifies the voices, ideas, and leadership of young people across Southern Africa.

Across Southern Africa, a new generation of leaders is emerging—bold, innovative, and ready to transform the region. SAYoF exists to empower, connect, and elevate these young changemakers into positions of influence and impact.

About us (cont.)

SAYoF serves as the Secretariat for key regional initiatives, including the SADC Youth Parliament (Southern Africa Youth Parliament), Southern African Youth Commission on AfCFTA (SAYOCA), the SADC Youth Task Force on NTDs and Malaria, Southern Africa Climate Youth Envoy, and the Southern Africa Rare Diseases Coalition. SAYoF is the Official convener of the annual Southern Africa Youth Forum (Formerly the SADC Youth Forum), Southern Africa Youth News, and the Southern Africa Youth Awards.

SAYoF also sits in international platforms such as the Global Coalition for Youth Peace and Security Knowledge Management Task Force, Dengue Advisory Group, Civil Society Partnership for Development Effectiveness (CPDE Youth Sector-Africa Rep), sits in the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Trade, Industry, Finance, and Investment Committee of the SADC Parliamentary Forum and the TWG on Democratization, Governance, and Human Rights. Through these roles, SAYoF plays a pivotal part in advancing youth-driven economic and political integration, strengthening health advocacy, and fostering meaningful regional collaboration and integration across Southern Africa.

Our Objectives

Enhancing the capacities of youth and youth organizations in Southern Africa to effectively advance youth interests.
To promote inclusive participation, representation, and well-being of youth in regional development processes.
To foster the economic empowerment, skilling of youth, and voice in negotiations on Economic Partnership Agreements in Southern Africa.
To contribute toward regional solidarity, integration, environmental justice, health, good governance, and cultural heritage in Southern Africa.
To promote youth adoption of emerging technologies and innovations to drive social impact/development.

Our Programs

Our Strategic Roles

Our Philosophy

Guided by the Youth Development Model, SAYoF envisions a region where young people are stakeholders in decision making, innovators driving change, and leaders shaping sustainable futures. We believe true transformation happens when youth are fully included in development systems, have access to opportunities, and play a central role in shaping policies and economies.

Our Impact

Through our platforms, partnerships, and programs, SAYoF continues to build a strong, connected, and empowered network of young leaders across Southern Africa who are actively contributing to policy, innovation, and socio-economic transformation.

Our Impact

Apply Now

Call for Exhibition to partner for the 8th Southern Africa Youth Forum is now open.

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Why SAYoF Matters

SAYoF is more than an organisation. It is a movement that is redefining the role of young people in development across Southern Africa. By shifting the narrative from passive participation to active leadership, SAYoF is creating spaces where young people are not only heard, but are empowered to influence decisions, shape policies, and drive meaningful change within their communities and beyond. It challenges traditional systems by placing youth at the center of development conversations and ensuring their contributions are recognized and valued.

Through its platforms, partnerships, and programs, SAYoF is actively shaping a future where young people are not waiting to be included, but are confidently leading the transformation of the region. It nurtures a generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and policy influencers who are equipped to respond to regional challenges with bold and sustainable solutions. In doing so, SAYoF is building a strong, connected, and forward-thinking youth ecosystem that is committed to advancing inclusive growth and long-term development in Southern Africa.

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Be Part of the Movement

Join SAYoF and contribute to shaping a better future for Southern Africa. Whether you are a young leader, partner, or organization, there is a place for you.