CorpsAfrica Volunteers & Alumni attending the CorpsAfrica All-Country Conference 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. Photo CorpsAfrica
Amid renewed global interest in locally led development, African youth are turning to volunteerism as both a civic duty and a pathway to opportunity.
That vision came into sharp focus in Nairobi, where more than 1,000 young leaders and development actors convened for the 2025 CorpsAfrica All-Country Conference (ACC), held from June 16 to 20.
Under the theme “Leading with Ubuntu: African Youth Transforming the Continent,” the event amplified calls for youth-driven development and urged African governments to institutionalize volunteerism as a strategic pillar of national growth.
The event was held at the Kenya School of Government, bringing together all CorpsAfrica Volunteers, alumni, and staff from the organization’s 11 country programs.
Building on momentum from the 2023 edition in Kigali, the conference marked a continental milestone in youth leadership, philanthropy, and volunteerism.
From policy dialogues to innovation showcases, the spotlight was on practical solutions and community-centered impact, reaffirming the critical leadership role of African youth.
Speakers emphasized the need for enabling policy environments that promote youth volunteerism as a pathway to employment, civic engagement, and education reform.
“At a time when Africa’s youth are calling for meaningful opportunities and a voice in shaping their future, we stand firm in our belief that they are the solution,” said Liz Fanning, Founder and CEO of CorpsAfrica.
“Our vision is to cultivate a generation of African leaders—rooted in community and committed to sparking sustainable change from the grassroots up.”
A Model Rooted in Local Leadership
Founded in 2011, CorpsAfrica is a nonprofit that deploys young Africans to volunteer in underserved rural communities.
The organization operates in Kenya, Malawi, Ghana, Rwanda, Morocco, Senegal, Ethiopia, Uganda, The Gambia, South Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Volunteers are trained to work with local people, identifying challenges and co-creating small-scale, high-impact projects using Indigenous knowledge and community input.
“Since 2011, we’ve deployed over 1,000 African volunteers to under-resourced rural communities—not to impose solutions, but to listen, collaborate, and implement low-cost, high-impact community-led projects rooted in Indigenous knowledge,” emphasized Dr. Samora Otieno, CorpsAfrica’s Chief of Programs.
“These aren’t just projects; they’re transformative platforms for human-centered design and asset-based community development.”
Since 2021, CorpsAfrica volunteers have facilitated over 10,500 social and economic activities.
They have implemented 425 community-led projects, improving the lives of nearly 2 million people.
Their work spans education, clean water, food security, and youth entrepreneurship.
A Critical Moment for African Youth
The summit came as Africa’s youth continue to face staggering unemployment rates, despite being the continent’s largest demographic.
Over 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population is under 30, yet opportunities for meaningful employment and leadership remain scarce.
Kenya’s youth unemployment rate stands at over 38%, with Nigeria and South Africa facing even higher figures of 42% and 46%, respectively.
The conference’s push to elevate volunteerism aligns with recommendations from the UN Volunteers’ 2022 State of the World’s Volunteerism Report.
The report encouraged governments to formally recognize volunteer work as a measurable component of economic development.
“We must reframe volunteerism—not as unpaid work, but as transformative leadership and professional development that accelerates public service for the 21st century,” emphasized Dr. Patricia King’ori-Mugendi, Country Director of CorpsAfrica/Kenya.
Through professional development workshops, social enterprise incubators, and policy dialogues, ACC 2025repositionedg volunteerism as a strategic springboard to formal employment.
Volunteers also received certificates upon completing their service, supporting their entry into CorpsAfrica’s alumni network and future career pathways.
“The All-Country Conference sends a clear message to our youth. As Africa’s true transformation architects, your place isn’t just in boardrooms – it’s in villages, farms, classrooms, and clinics. Real leadership begins where people live, work, and struggle,” concluded Dr. King’ori-Mugendi.
Government Response and a Call for Local Investment
The Government of Kenya reaffirmed its support for youth-led innovation during the conference.
Hon. Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sport, called on African nations to reduce dependency on donor funding and invest in youth volunteerism as a vehicle for development.
“Africa’s youth have spoken with unmistakable clarity,” Mvurya declared.
“They want jobs—not handouts; platforms—not patronage; and action—not promises. As policymakers, we recognize this reality. Young people aren’t waiting—they’re building. CorpsAfrica’s model proves what happens when we equip youth with both trust and tools to lead.”
By embedding service into education systems, national policies, and employment frameworks, CorpsAfrica is working to redefine youth empowerment across the continent, positioning volunteerism as a driver of inclusive, grassroots-led development.
Also in attendance were young change-makers, policymakers, philanthropists, and development partners from across the continent.
