YouthConnekt Sahel forum convenes in Niamey

The third edition of the YouthConnekt Sahel forum is being held in Niamey from August 10 to 12, 2026. The regional event brings together youth ministers and decision-makers from Mali, Togo, Chad, Nigeria, and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to address challenges facing the region's young population.

Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani met with a ministerial delegation during the forum's opening. During the meeting, officials discussed strategies to transform the region's youth—who comprise approximately 80% of the population in some areas—into a demographic dividend for economic growth.

Key discussions focused on fostering youth autonomy, providing necessary funding, and encouraging young people to participate actively in national development and regional stability. Ministers emphasized the need for concerted actions to ensure youth are not just recipients of policy, but active participants in the transformation of their respective countries.