UN, AU Youth Envoy Launch Podcast Platform to Amplify Young African Voices on Global Issues

In a bold move to spotlight youth perspectives on Africa’s most pressing challenges and opportunities, the United Nations Foundation, The Elders, and the African Union Youth Envoy have jointly launched a new podcast series titled “The Future of Africa.”

The limited-episode series, which premiered on August 12, 2025, aims to provide a dynamic platform for young African leaders to engage in deep conversations about the continent’s future — covering topics such as climate justice, development finance, democratic trust, and the future of education.

Hosted by renowned Kenyan media personality Adelle Onyango and Mark Leon Goldberg, host of the Global Dispatches podcast, the series will feature weekly episodes that blend insight, lived experience, and forward-thinking perspectives.

The debut episode explores Africa’s evolving role on the global stage, highlighting the continent’s growing influence as young, visionary voices begin to redefine its narrative.

According to the organisers, the initiative comes at a critical time, as many African countries — including Nigeria — grapple with rising unemployment, inflation, and limited entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly among educated youth. The podcast seeks not just to spotlight these challenges but also to explore innovative, youth-driven solutions.

“The Future of Africa challenges Africans — and those invested in the continent’s future — to truly listen to the voices of young people and engage with their ideas for meaningful change,” the statement read.

The series will feature interviews with key stakeholders and changemakers such as:

Chimdi Neliaku, Special Assistant to the Speaker on Interparliamentary Affairs and Public Relations, Nigerian House of Representatives

Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa and Convener of the Not Too Young To Run movement

Chukwuemeka Eze, Director of Democratic Resilience, Open Society Foundations

Each episode aims to frame a new conversation that elevates the youth perspective while fostering constructive dialogue across generations, sectors, and borders.