Join the Youth Collective

Elections and Youth Power: Rewriting Africa’s Democratic Future

Young people are using their voices to hold those in power accountable. At Restless Development, we believe more just and participatory democracies are possible. A world where young people are active citizens, where institutions are accessible and responsive to young people, and where young people can create change in their communities and influence those with power.

Through our Youth Collective, we have built and supported Democracy Moves, a movement of youth-powered innovation, organisation, and change led by young people, creating global change at pace. We have nurtured young people to have a voice, whatever their circumstances – shifting power and creating new pathways for achieving a more just and sustainable future. 

This Leadership Lab will unite Youth Collective members to ensure their voices are heard and to challenge increasing threats to democracy and civic space in Africa. As Africa approaches a pivotal electoral year in 2025, the continent faces a dynamic political landscape shaped by both promising developments and complex transitions. The continent is witnessing a rapidly evolving political landscape shaped by shifting governance structures, emerging civic movements, and the growing influence of digital technologies.  Over a dozen countries — including Tanzania, Malawi, Gabon, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire — are preparing for presidential elections, each influenced by unique political contexts, constitutional reforms, and evolving governance structures. At the same time, efforts to enhance youth inclusion, digital engagement, and gender representation are gaining momentum. Young people have the right to influence the political and social structures around them – and to demand protection and respect from the state to assert these rights.

This Leadership Lab invites participants to explore the diverse ways elections are shaping democratic governance across Africa and to reflect on how young people can play an active and constructive role in promoting transparency, inclusion, and civic engagement throughout the electoral cycle. With the growing presence of youth leadership and the ongoing review of frameworks such as the African Youth Charter and the African Union Governance Architecture, this moment presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen democratic, intergenerational, and multisectoral civic participation across the continent.

Leadership Lab – Election in Africa

Register now

Objectives

  1. To identify and share best practices on the role of young people in electoral processes—including voter education and election observation—by highlighting successful youth-led initiatives from past and upcoming elections in Africa during the Leadership Lab session.
  2. To engage youth participants in the co-creation of a joint statement with actionable recommendations on the role of African youth in elections, to directly influence the Africa Youth Charter, by the end of the Leadership Lab session.

Moderator

Daniel Orogo is the Africa Regional Coordinator for Democracy Moves, a leading advocate for political inclusion and governance. In Kenya, he leads Civic Voices, a civic tech organisation promoting digital public participation. He also serves as Youth Coordinator for the 2022 “Africa, My Home, My Future” campaign under the All Africa Conference of Churches, inspiring unity among African youth. Since founding the Langata Youth Network in 2012 in Kibera, Daniel has championed community development and democratic governance across Africa.

Speakers

Dr Hangala Siachiwena is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Cape Town’s Institute for Democracy, Citizenship and Public Policy in Africa. His research focuses on social policy, development, and African politics, especially in Southern Africa. He co-convenes the Zambian Elections Research Network and contributed to the Political Parties in Africa project, which held workshops across East and Southern Africa. Hangala’s work combines Afrobarometer data with interviews with political leaders. He holds a BA in Development Studies and Economics from the University of Zambia, and an MPhil in Development Studies and DPhil in Sociology from UCT.

Linda Stalonne Mapenda Iffoundji, a 35-year-old Gabonese professional, is a Christian and youth leader at Bethesda International Evangelical Ministry. With eight years as a radio host, she also works as a sales representative in insurance and serves as Administrative and HR Director in a construction company. A member of Democracy Moves for nearly three years, she actively promotes youth engagement and leadership. Linda holds degrees in banking, insurance, and business techniques, reflecting her strong academic foundation and versatile career across media, finance, and administration. Her dedication to service and empowerment defines her personal and professional journey.

Fredy Mtei is a governance specialist and Program Officer at Restless Development Tanzania, leading the Ford Foundation-funded Kijana Wajibika project. He amplifies youth voices—especially young women and people with disabilities, in governance and policy reform. Fredy facilitates national dialogues, trains youth networks on tax advocacy and elections, and supports the Youth Manifesto for 2025–2030. His work bridges grassroots efforts with formal governance. With expertise in project management and communication strategy, he fosters partnerships with government and civil society, promoting inclusive, youth-driven solutions in Tanzania’s democratic processes.

Alinaswe Lusengo is a versatile writer and passionate advocate for social change. With a background in media and communications, she has reported for publications like Daily Maverick and played a significant role in political communications. Alinaswe is dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals, particularly in the fight against gender-based violence in South Africa. Her work spans journalism, activism, and content creation, with a focus on empowering communities through storytelling and creative expression.

Brenda Namuwonge is a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Specialist at the Open Space Centre with over eight years of experience advancing youth-focused programs. She champions youth inclusion in governance and development, contributing to national research and policy initiatives that elevate young voices in democratic processes. Her expertise includes youth engagement, policy development, governance, elections, and economic empowerment. Committed to data-driven advocacy, Brenda transforms research into actionable insights that inform policy and promote inclusive development. Her work consistently bridges evidence and impact, ensuring that youth perspectives shape decision-making at both local and national levels.