The Africa Forest Forum (AFF), in partnership with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), launched the AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) Community of Practice on March 31, 2025.
The AY4F is an interactive platform designed to empower young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs across Africa’s forestry sector. Anchored in the belief that the continent’s future is intrinsically linked to forest conservation, the initiative aims to transform environmental aspirations into actionable realities through science-based communication.
According to Prof. Labode Popoola, Executive Secretary-CEO of AFF, young people play an instrumental role in shaping Africa’s forest and tree resources, underscoring the need to provide support and guidance on best practices.
“By providing a dynamic and inclusive space for engagement, we are fostering the next generation of forestry leaders and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to drive positive change,” said Prof. Popoola.
The project is focused on establishing exchanges between young people and the research community about the forests, their threats, and opportunities. In addition to that, the AY4F is set to encourage young people’s commitment to sustainably managing the forest resource.
Launched with a piloting in Kenya and Cameroon, the initiative will rely on digital media, networks, and collaborations to reach its targeted goal of empowering young people across the continent. The program features interactive chat discussions during the first week and live webinars in the second week, employing an engaging and dynamic learning experience.
With live discussions taking place from March 31 – April 11, 2025, from 12:00 Noon – 2:00 PM Nairobi Time (09:00 AM – 11:00 AM GMT) virtually via Howspace. The engagement seeking to attain an optimal effect has rolled out a palette of activities from workshops, digital media to web-based discussion forums and participation in international conferences.
The AY4F Community of Practice will serve as a collaborative space where members can exchange ideas, share best practices, and co-create innovative solutions to advance forest conservation, enhance climate resilience, and unlock green economy opportunities.
Dr. Jane Njuguna, CEO of KEFRI, emphasized that young people play an essential role in advancing the conservation conversation and urged more young professionals to join the initiative.
“We commend the collaboration with AFF and SLU on this AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) initiative, for its role in empowering youth to take an active role in environmental stewardship and the sustainable management of our forests,” said Dr. Njuguna.
The launch of the AY4F Community of Practice aligns with AFF’s broader mission to promote sustainable forest management and ensure that Africa’s forests continue to provide essential ecological, social, and economic benefits.
Sara Gräslund, Head of SLU Global, accentuated the role of youth in sustainable forestry and the capability of re-thinking sustainable forest management, lauding the formation of AfricanYouth4Forests.
Sara pointed out that there are great opportunities in acknowledging the potential bestowed in Africa’s young professionals and working closely with them in driving climate resilience, unlocking green economy opportunities, and shaping the future of forests.
Young changemakers, students, educators, activists, scientists, experts, and policy makers in the forestry sector are invited to join the AY4F Community of Practice to benefit.
The initiative is set to support the young through the facilitation of research collaborations, mentorship programs, networking, and policy dialogues to enhance youth participation in forestry and environmental governance.
AY4F is supported by a Youth Advisory Council (YAC), which provides strategic oversight and guidance on key issues impacting youth participation in the forestry sector.
