Monrovia – Naymote Partners for Democratic Development, Liberia’s leading pro-democracy institution, is set to host the 12th Cohort of the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa) under the theme: “Unlocking Africa’s Potential: Youth Leadership for Economic Development and Political Stability.”
According to a release, the five-day event, scheduled to run from June 9–13, 2025, at the Bella Casa Hotel in Monrovia, aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, promoting innovation, leadership, and collaborative development across the continent.
The program will bring together 120 emerging leaders—45% of them women—from across Africa. Participants include young politicians, entrepreneurs, journalists, civic activists, and civil society leaders who will engage in 17 sessions facilitated by 13 national and international experts. The sessions will focus on leadership, elections, governance, and other critical themes driving the continent’s progress.
Her Excellency Josephine A. Nkrumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative to Liberia, will deliver the keynote address. Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is expected to attend as Guest of Honor and will be presented with an Honorary Leadership Award for her outstanding contribution to leadership and youth empowerment in Africa.
Goodwill messages are expected from several dignitaries, including the ambassadors of Ireland, Sweden, and the European Union; the United Nations Resident Coordinator; and the Director of Programmes at the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria.
Eddie D. Jarwolo, founder of YPLS Africa, emphasized the importance of the initiative in building the next generation of leaders. “YPLS Africa remains committed to empowering a new cadre of ethical and visionary young leaders who will transform Africa’s political and economic landscape through strategic partnerships and inclusive programming,” he said. “We aim to deepen the movement for youth-led governance and sustainable development across the continent.”
