Dates: 23 - 24 September 2026 
Venue: Mombasa, Kenya 
Organizers: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), African Forest Forum (AFF), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) 
More information https://afforum.org/new/web/africanyouth4forests

It will be held in Mombasa and will comprise high-level delegates alongside young foresters, ecopreneurs, and researchers aged 18–30 from across the continent to deliberate on the role of youth in Africa's forestry future. Africa's youth population is four times Europe's, and the AY4F Conference treats this demographic wave as forestry's future workforce and leadership pipeline rather than as a side program. The conference will bring together ancestral knowledge and scientific tools in a shared community of practice, building on national youth workshops already held in counties such as Kitui and Taita Taveta. 

Objectives 

• Knowledge Exchange: Provide a platform for youth to engage with forest status and climate resilience findings, grounded in FAO and scientific reporting.
• Livelihoods Focus: Explore the links between forests and rural livelihoods, cultural heritage, and the role of women in social forestry.
• Green Bioeconomy: Surface entrepreneurship and innovation opportunities for youth within the green bioeconomy.
• Governance Voice: Strengthen youth agency and representation in forest governance and policy spaces. 

Expected Outcomes 

• A consolidated continental youth position/declaration on forestry and climate, building on existing county-level declarations.
• Identified entrepreneurship and innovation pathways for youth within the forestry and green bioeconomy sectors.
• Stronger youth representation carried forward into COFO28 and, ultimately, COP31.

More information https://afforum.org/new/web/africanyouth4forests