About YSDC 2026

The Youth Sustainable Development Conference (YSDC) is a pan-African, youth-led convening that brings together young leaders, policymakers, private sector actors, development partners, academia, and civil society to advance sustainable development across Africa.

Now in its eighth edition, YSDC 2026 will be hosted in Windhoek, Namibia, marking the conference’s first convening in Southern Africa. The conference provides a trusted platform where youth-led innovation meets policy dialogue, investment, and institutional collaboration.

Why YSDC Matters?

Africa’s future depends on how effectively its young population participates in shaping energy systems, climate solutions, and inclusive economic growth. YSDC exists to bridge the gap between youth ambition and institutional decision-making by translating ideas into action.

YSDC 2026 focuses on enabling youth to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s green transition through skills, partnerships, and access to policy and market opportunities.

Theme: Powering Change

Powering Change reflects the role of Africa’s youth as drivers of transformation across clean energy, climate resilience, green industrialisation, and inclusive development. The theme underscores the shift from participation to leadership in Africa’s sustainability journey.

Host Country: Namibia

Namibia is emerging as a continental leader in renewable energy and green hydrogen development, supported by strong national policies and a stable investment environment.

YSDC 2026 aligns with Namibia’s Vision 2030, National Development Plan 5, Harambee Prosperity Plan, Green Hydrogen and Derivatives Strategy, and the African Union Agenda 2063.

What to Expect

High-Level Dialogue

Engagements with ministers, senior policymakers, development partners, private sector leaders, and technical experts.

Thematic Tracks

• Renewable energy and green jobs
• Green hydrogen and industrial value chains
• Climate resilience and adaptation
• Circular economy and waste innovation
• Digital innovation and the future of work
• Blue economy and nature-based solutions
• Gender equality and youth leadership
• Legal and policy frameworks for youth-led enterprises

Innovation and Skills

Hands-on workshops, innovation showcases, and enterprise exhibitions connecting youth-led solutions with finance and markets.

Flagship Platforms

EcoSpark

EcoSpark is YSDC’s innovation platform supporting youth-led enterprises across clean energy, circular economy, and climate-smart value chains. It connects innovators to mentors, investors, and policy actors through challenges, exhibitions, and post-conference incubation.

EcoConnect

EcoConnect is YSDC’s policy and partnership platform, enabling structured dialogue between youth leaders and governments, development partners, academia, and the private sector to advance collaboration and evidence-informed policy outcomes.

Impact So Far

YSDC has directly engaged over 1,500 young professionals across more than 45 countries since 2019.

YSDC 2025 Highlights (Nairobi, Kenya):

• 105 young professionals engaged
• 12 countries represented
• 6 case study solutions across energy access and circular economy
• 7 partners and 2 sponsors
• Launch of the YSDN Bold Transition Magazine

Who Attends

• Youth leaders and innovators
• Government institutions and policymakers
• Development partners and DFIs
• Private sector leaders and investors
• Researchers and academic institutions
• Civil society organisations

Special emphasis is placed on young women, rural youth, vocational trainees, and emerging entrepreneurs.

Partnership Opportunities

YSDC 2026 offers partnership and sponsorship opportunities for organisations seeking visibility, policy engagement, and ecosystem access within Africa’s green transition.

Partners support youth participation, innovation platforms, policy dialogue, and post-conference impact programmes.

Join Us

Be part of a continental platform shaping Africa’s sustainable future.

📍 Windhoek, Namibia
📅 12–14 August 2026

Interested in partnering, sponsoring, or participating?
Contact: info@ysdn.org | www.ysdn.org