About AYWF
Youth shaping Africa's water future.
The African Youth Water Forum is a continental platform amplifying the voices of African youth in shaping solutions to water challenges, advancing water justice, and influencing water policy across Africa.
Who We Are
A continental platform for youth-led water justice.
The African Youth Water Forum (AYWF) is a continental platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of African youth in shaping solutions to water challenges, advancing water justice, and influencing water policy across Africa. We exist to create a space where youth, youth-led organizations, institutions, and partners can work together to respond to Africa's water realities through innovation, advocacy, collaboration, and leadership.
AYWF believes that African challenges require African solutions and that youth are best positioned to drive that change. Youth are not only affected by water insecurity, sanitation gaps, and climate change impacts; they are also powerful agents of transformation with the creativity, energy, and commitment needed to shape a better future. AYWF seeks to become the leading youth-driven platform where innovation, advocacy, and collaboration converge to accelerate progress toward SDG 6 and other interconnected Sustainable Development Goals.
Convened by Young Visionary Leaders Ghana (YVLG) in 2026, AYWF has its secretariat hosted in Ghana and plans to establish regional hubs across all five African sub-regions. Through this structure, the forum will connect youth voices, strengthen regional collaboration, promote knowledge exchange, and influence national, regional, and continental policy conversations on water, sanitation, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
AYWF is committed to building a strong and inclusive movement that reflects the realities, aspirations, and leadership of African youth. We are not only building a forum; we are building a future where African youth help define the water agenda for the continent.
The forum provides a continental platform for youth engagement, policy influence, peer learning, and strategic partnerships. It is founded on the belief that meaningful and lasting change in Africa's water future must include youth leadership at every level.
Vision
An Africa where youth lead the way to safe, sustainable, and climate-resilient water for all.
Mission
To empower African youth as innovators, advocates, and partners in achieving water justice by providing a continental platform for engagement, knowledge exchange, and policy influence.
Why We Exist
African challenges. African solutions. Youth-led.
Why Africa?
African challenges demand African solutions. Local communities understand their realities best, and lasting change can only be achieved through strong African-led and African-owned solutions. AYWF exists to strengthen continental collaboration and ensure that youth voices are part of Africa's development agenda.
Why Youth?
Youth are Africa's largest demographic and are full of innovation, energy, and creativity. They are directly affected by water insecurity and climate change, which makes them powerful and committed advocates for change. AYWF exists to unlock this potential for continental transformation.
Why Water?
Water is the foundation of health, education, food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Without water security, Africa cannot achieve its full development potential. AYWF exists because water justice is central to Africa's future.
Core Values
The values guiding the movement.
Inclusivity
Ensuring representation of diverse youth voices from every corner of Africa.
Innovation
Promoting creative, youth-led solutions to Africa's most complex water challenges.
Equity & Justice
Advocating for fair access to water resources for every community, without exception.
Collaboration
Building partnerships across governments, the private sector, civil society, and academia.
Accountability
Promoting transparent and evidence-based youth advocacy that delivers real results.
Africa's Water Challenges
The reality on the ground.
Africa continues to face severe water and sanitation challenges that affect millions of people. Inadequate access to safe drinking water, poor sanitation, climate shocks, and rural vulnerability continue to deepen inequalities across the continent.
Key statistics
What We Stand For
AYWF stands for a future where youth are not passive observers but active shapers of Africa's water agenda. We believe in youth-led advocacy, policy influence, community engagement, and practical solutions that respond to real needs. The forum is built to connect voices, develop leadership, and create impact across the continent.
SDG Alignment
Aligned to the Global Goals.
AYWF contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting water security, climate action, education, partnerships, and sustainable community development across Africa.
