The Youth Creative Consortium (YCC) Africa is a youth-centric organization dedicated to empowering, educating, and inspiring young people through creativity and innovation. In a world that increasingly demands strong, ethical leadership, YCC provides a transformative platform for young individuals to explore and express their talents across various creative fields—art, design, technology, entrepreneurship, media, and culture.
Our upcoming 2026 conference will bring together hundreds of young leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the continent to critically engage with the pressing challenges of violence and conflict. Under the powerful theme "Silencing the Guns," we aim to harness the creative potential of Africa's youth to develop innovative solutions for peacebuilding and conflict resolution through meaningful dialogue and collaboration.
Proudly Supported By
Peace Advocacy
Developing youth-led initiatives for conflict prevention and resolution in communities
Dialogue & Collaboration
Creating platforms for constructive engagement between youth and policymakers
Innovative Solutions
Leveraging creativity to address root causes of violence and promote sustainable peace
2026 Conference Highlights
Youth-Led Panels
Interactive discussions led by young peacebuilders
Innovation Labs
Collaborative workshops for creative solutions
Skills Training
Capacity building in leadership and advocacy
Action Plans
Concrete strategies for community implementation
Our Mission & Core Values
The guiding principles that drive our commitment to youth empowerment and continental peace
YOUTH LEADERSHIP
Empowering young Africans to take initiative, make informed decisions, and lead transformative change across the continent. We cultivate ethical, visionary leaders who champion peace and development.
CREATIVE INNOVATION
Harnessing art, technology, media, and entrepreneurship to develop groundbreaking solutions for peace. We believe creativity is the bridge between conflict and harmony.
PEACE ADVOCACY
Promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and non-violent conflict resolution across African communities. We work tirelessly toward a continent where every voice for peace is amplified.
Impact-Focused
Pan-African
Inclusive
Entrepreneurial
Conference Theme 2026
"SILENCING THE GUNS"
Uniting Africa's youth to forge innovative pathways toward lasting peace, reconciliation, and sustainable development through creative dialogue and transformative action.
H.E. Bankole Adeoye
Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security
Visionary Leader
Peace Architect
Youth Champion
"Africa's youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow—they are the changemakers of today. Through creativity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to peace, you hold the power to transform our continent and silence the guns forever."
Dear Young Leaders,
It is with profound honor and excitement that I extend the African Union's full support to the Youth Creative Consortium 2026 Conference. This gathering represents more than just an event—it embodies our collective vision for a peaceful, prosperous Africa driven by the creative genius of its youth.
The theme "Silencing the Guns" resonates deeply with the African Union's Agenda 2063 aspirations. We envision an Africa where conflicts are resolved through dialogue, where young people are empowered to lead transformative change, and where creativity becomes the currency of progress. You are the architects of this future.
Through this conference, you will explore groundbreaking approaches to peacebuilding—from technology-driven conflict early warning systems to arts-based reconciliation initiatives. You will connect with fellow innovators, engage with policymakers, and contribute to solutions that address the root causes of violence across our continent.
The African Union Commission recognizes that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without meaningful youth participation. Your perspectives are essential, your energy is transformative, and your commitment to peace is the foundation upon which we will build a violence-free Africa.
I encourage each participant to fully immerse themselves in this experience. Network boldly, innovate fearlessly, and let your creativity shine. Together, we are not just silencing guns—we are amplifying voices of peace, harmony, and unity across Africa.
With solidarity and hope,
H.E. Bankole Adeoye
AU Commissioner | Political Affairs, Peace & Security
YCC 2026 • Addis Ababa
OUR PROGRAMS
Comprehensive initiatives designed to empower youth as peacebuilders and changemakers
Building the next generation of ethical, creative leaders
Leadership Development
Building the next generation of ethical, creative leaders
Our flagship leadership program equips young people with the skills, mindset, and ethical foundation to lead transformative change in their communities.
Participants engage in comprehensive curriculum covering conflict resolution, ethical decision-making, communication skills, and creative problem-solving, culminating in community action projects.
Leadership Development
Building the next generation of ethical, creative leaders
Creative Peacebuilding
Using arts and media to promote peace and resolve conflicts
Innovation Lab
Developing tech solutions for peacebuilding and conflict resolution
Policy and Advocacy
Empowering youth to influence peace and security policies
Global Dialogues
Connecting youth across borders to exchange ideas and solutions
Community Action
Supporting youth-led initiatives that build peaceful communities
Upcoming Events & News
Stay updated with the latest activities, official visits, and programs from the Youth Creative Consortium.
YCC Official Visit to Kenya
YCC officials will be visiting Nairobi to meet with local youth leaders and discuss the framework for the 2026 conference.
Read MoreElection Observation Mission
A delegation of YCC observers will participate in the upcoming election observation mission to ensure youth participation and transparency.
Read MorePre-Conference Youth Dialogue
Join us for a hybrid dialogue session on 'Silencing the Guns' as we prepare the agenda for the main conference.
Read MoreOur Partners in Peacebuilding
Organizations committed to supporting youth leadership and silencing the guns
Government Partners
Federal and state institutions supporting youth development
NGO Collaborators
Organizations working towards peace and youth empowerment
Corporate Sponsors
Businesses investing in the future of young leaders
Ministry of Youth Development
Principal Partner & Organizer
Committed to developing Nigeria's youth through innovative programs, leadership training, and peace initiatives nationwide.
Supporting Organizations
United Nations
African Union
Nigeria Youth Council
Peace Corps
ECOWAS Youth Council
Federal Ministry of Education
UNICEF
National Youth Service Corps
Creative Arts Council
Tech Innovation Hub
Support the Youth Creative Conference
Join our coalition of organizations committed to fostering youth leadership and promoting peace through creative innovation.
Voices of Change
Hear from young leaders who are making a difference through the Youth Creative Conference initiatives
"I'm excited to be attending the Youth Creative Conference to gain practical leadership tools that will help me address conflicts in my community through creative approaches."
Sarah
Youth Leader, Nairobi
"I'm looking forward to YCC's mentorship opportunities and networking that will help me launch my peacebuilding app. I can't wait to connect with other young innovators."
Emmanuel
Tech Entrepreneur
"I'm eager to participate in the 'Silencing the Guns' workshops to learn concrete strategies for using digital storytelling as a tool for conflict resolution in my region."
Amina
Media Activist
"I'm anticipating that YCC's training sessions will transform how I approach youth engagement in peacebuilding initiatives. I hope to learn creative methods that will boost participation in our local programs."
David
Community Organizer
"I'm hoping YCC will give me the confidence to present my policy recommendations to local government and help establish youth representation in our district's peace committee."
Abdul
Policy Advocate
"I'm excited to learn how the creative arts can be a powerful tool for peace. I plan to expand our music and art initiatives to reach thousands of young people with messages of non-violence."
Kwame
Arts Collective Founder