Liberia: YPLS Africa Honored by WACSI for Empowering Next Generation of African Leaders

Monrovia/Accra – The Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa) has been recognized for its transformative impact on youth leadership development across the continent, receiving a prestigious honor during the climax of the West Africa Civil Society Institute’s (WACSI) 20th Anniversary celebrations in Accra, Ghana.

The recognition was bestowed on November 21, 2025, at the Holiday Inn Hotel, acknowledging the institution’s outstanding work in grooming a new generation of African leaders and changemakers.

Since its establishment in 2016, YPLS Africa— the flagship program of Naymote Partners for Democratic Development—has invested heavily in educating, empowering, and preparing young Africans to advance inclusive development and strengthen democracy across the continent. More than 1,230 emerging leaders from 14 African countries have completed the program, with many alumni now occupying key roles in government, political parties, academia, civil society, and local governance structures.

Receiving the award on behalf of the institution, YPLS Africa Founder Eddie D. Jarwolo expressed profound gratitude to WACSI for the honor, dedicating the recognition to the young people of Africa.

Speaking after the ceremony, Jarwolo underscored the urgency of investing in youth leadership, noting that Africa—where over 60% of the population is under 30—cannot thrive if its young people remain excluded from political decision-making.

“Young people often remain on the margins of political leadership and governance,” he said. “Many lack access to quality civic and political education, leaving them vulnerable to manipulation, misinformation, and short-term incentives that undermine democratic choices. YPLS Africa exists to change this reality.”

Jarwolo emphasized that political education remains a powerful catalyst for democratic transformation. When young people fully understand political systems, responsible leadership, and the impact of public policy, he said, they become empowered to think critically, vote consciously, and demand accountability.

Through its training model—centered on knowledge, leadership competencies, and ethical values—YPLS Africa aims to cultivate principled, informed, and action-oriented leaders capable of reshaping their societies. According to Jarwolo, informed electoral choices can usher in credible, transparent, and service-driven leadership that strengthens governance, bolsters confidence in public institutions, and delivers tangible dividends to citizens.

The organization views its mission as a long-term investment in Africa’s democratic resilience, social progress, and sustainable development. As the continent moves toward the ambitions of ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, YPLS Africa maintains that empowered youth leadership is essential to driving inclusive growth, strengthening governance, and realizing continental aspirations.

Jarwolo extended appreciation to the program’s longstanding partners and supporters, including the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Their contributions, he noted, have been central to shaping the next generation of African leaders.

With this latest honor from WACSI, YPLS Africa’s work continues to gain continental recognition as it prepares thousands of young Africans to lead with integrity, competence, and vision.