As the Youth Sustainable Development Conference (YSDC 2025) arrives in Nairobi from August 12 to 14, it brings together some of the most influential voices shaping Africa’s climate, energy, and development landscape. From clean energy to carbon markets, policy to storytelling, these are the individuals and sessions that will define this year’s gathering.
Caroline Makenzi
Mission 300 Coordinator, African Development Bank
Caroline will deliver a high-level keynote on Mission 300 and Youth Leadership. Her address will set the tone for discussions on how to mobilize development capital that supports youth-led innovation and accelerates Africa’s just energy transition in line with Mission 300.
Wangari Muchiri
Director for Africa, Global Wind Energy Council
A leader in Africa’s renewable energy sector, Wangari brings years of experience in engineering, wind power development, and energy policy. As a panelist on the Mission 300 session, she will spotlight regional energy integration and the need for scalable, youth-inclusive solutions.
Daniel Aryee
Daniel offers a Pan-African lens on energy access and youth engagement. His spotlight talk will explore the role of young Africans in shaping the continent’s energy agenda, encouraging them to understand their local contexts and take ownership of the solutions.
Judy Kibogong
Octavia Carbon
In the session on carbon markets, Judy will address the need to center African youth in carbon finance systems and project development. With experience in carbon capture and clean development mechanisms, she brings technical insight to a rapidly evolving space.
Olamide Niyi-Afuye
Chief Executive Officer, Africa Mini-Grid Developers Association (AMDA)
Olamide is an advocate for enabling environments that allow mini-grid operators and youth entrepreneurs to thrive. His participation will unpack structural challenges in off-grid energy and explore how policy and finance can be better aligned.
Gloria Kuyoh and Linda Yunia
GOGLA
Gloria will moderate the Mission 300 panel, driving the conversation on access, ambition, and youth leadership. Linda will lead the session on innovative financing for youth-led energy projects, offering insights into what it takes to unlock capital for early-stage businesses.
Damilola Hamid Balogun
CEO, Youth Sustainable Development Network (YSDN)
A Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 honoree and globally recognized voice in sustainable energy innovation, Damilola brings nearly a decade of hands-on experience in delivering climate-smart, community-driven projects. From leading solar-powered cold chain innovations in Nigeria to advising on energy justice at COP summits, he represents the kind of systems-level leadership urgently needed today. At YSDC 2025, Damilola will contribute to the session on Innovative Financing for Youth-Driven Energy Projects, drawing on lessons from his work with governments, startups, and development agencies to expand inclusive green finance for Africa’s next generation of climate entrepreneurs.
Seun Fasogbon
Filmmaker, “The Cost of Noise”
This year’s conference opens with the premiere of Tactica’s film, an artistic exploration of noise pollution and environmental justice. It is a powerful reminder that climate impact is not only measured in data but also in the lived experiences of everyday people.
Why YSDC 2025?
YSDC 2025 is more than a conference — it is a platform for strategy, storytelling, and systems change. The speakers and sessions above reflect the bold, pragmatic, and visionary work needed to build a sustainable future. As Africa’s youth take the lead, the conversations in Nairobi will shape not just what comes next, but who drives it.
