Lightup Impact Days 2025 conference will empower young changemakers
Lightup Impact Days 2025, a landmark two-day conference, will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from October 22–23.
This biennial event provides a platform to amplify the voices and actions of youth-led grassroots organisations across East Africa.
Its mission is to tackle gender inequality and climate injustice by empowering the communities most affected by these challenges.
Theme: Let Youth Lead
The conference theme, “Let Youth Lead: Driving Gender and Climate Justice,” recognises the critical role young people play in shaping sustainable development in East Africa, a region with one of the world’s youngest populations.
The event will explore a series of sub-themes that examine how youth-led initiatives can drive change:
- Multi-Sector Partnerships: Collaborating with governments, NGOs, and the private sector to scale youth-led solutions.
- Power in Unity: Strengthening youth movements and grassroots CSOs advocating freedom of assembly and association.
- Social Networks as Tools for Change: Building alliances and sharing knowledge to strengthen youth-driven impact.
- Centering Youth in Funding and Policy: Giving youth-led organisations influence over resources and policymaking.
- Decolonising Aid and Advocacy: Shifting power, narratives, and resources to local changemakers.
- Leveraging Technology: Using digital tools to amplify youth voices and scale advocacy.
The conference will centre youth-led solutions, foster coalition-building, and provide space for action planning.
Who Can Attend
Lightup Impact Days 2025 is designed for a diverse range of participants.
Youth-led grassroots organisations are the primary audience, gaining a platform to showcase projects and connect with peers.
Additionally, the event will engage donors, policymakers, government representatives, international organisations, civil society actors, and private sector partners, fostering collaboration and support for youth initiatives.
A Program Built for Impact
The conference agenda blends learning, inspiration, and action, featuring:
- Keynote Addresses: Leaders driving transformative change will share insights and experiences.
- Networking Sessions: Structured opportunities to build partnerships and explore collaborations.
- Grassroots Exhibitions: Showcasing innovative projects from youth-led organisations impacting communities.
- Panel Discussions: Debates on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender justice, climate action, and sustainability.
- Action Planning Workshops: Focused on strengthening organisational leadership, scaling initiatives, and shaping policy recommendations.
- Open Mic Sessions: Grassroots leaders share stories and innovations directly, ensuring their voices are amplified.
A Platform for the Leaders of Today
Lightup Impact Days 2025 demonstrates the power of youth-led, community-driven change.
It recognises that the next generation of leaders is already driving progress and that supporting youth-led initiatives is critical for building a just and sustainable future.
By fostering partnerships, promoting systemic change, and highlighting grassroots solutions, the conference serves as a call to collaboration, a celebration of innovation, and a bold step toward youth-centered development.
It is where ideas meet action, voices meet platforms, and young leaders shape the future of gender and climate justice.
Register for Lightup Impact Days 2025
Early-bird registration has already opened. Secure your spot at discounted rates and gain full access to the conference program, including refreshments and lunch.
Who Can Register:
- Youth Leaders: Individuals or youth-led CSOs (ages 15–35) can attend as delegates or exhibitors.
- Lightup Impact Members: Community members enjoy 3-day access, including the Members’ Summit.
- Other Delegates: Professionals from NGOs, academia, government, and the private sector can register as delegates, exhibitors, or sponsors.
Ticket packages vary, offering options for delegates and exhibitors, some of which include exhibition booths. Registration details and rates are available on the Lightup Impact Website.
About Lightup Impact
Lightup Impact is a regional network that supports youth-led and grassroots civil society organisations across East Africa.
Its work focuses on building organisational capacity, fostering innovation, and connecting changemakers with mentorship and networks to scale their impact.
The organisation provides training, advisory services, and platforms for collaboration to strengthen local leadership and amplify the voices of young leaders driving social change.
About East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN)
The East Africa Philanthropy Network (EAPN) is a membership-based platform connecting philanthropists, foundations, corporate donors, and civil society actors across East Africa.
EAPN works to promote strategic philanthropy, resource mobilisation, and collaboration for social impact.
Through knowledge-sharing, advocacy, and networking, the organisation strengthens the capacity of both funders and grassroots actors to address development challenges in the region.
