TAF Twitter Space | Youth and Democracy in West Africa

In recent years, West Africa has faced a wave of political instability, from unconstitutional power grabs and coups to growing public disillusionment with democratic institutions. While elections remain a critical part of the democratic process, they are not the whole story. True democracy demands more than casting a vote every few years. It requires active citizenship, ongoing participation and leadership from those most affected by policy decisions, especially young people.

Across the region, young West Africans are often viewed as passive recipients of decisions made by disconnected elites. Yet, they are the majority. They are students, workers, creators, activists and innovators, and they have the right to shape the societies they live in.

At TAF, we are creating platforms for youth to lead a new democratic culture, one that is inclusive, participatory and grounded in Ubuntu. This initiative goes beyond elections. It’s about building systems that reflect the people's will every day, not just on voting day. It's about empowering young Africans to hold institutions accountable, demand transparency and influence policy from the ground up.

This event challenges the narrative that democracy begins and ends at the ballot box. We are cultivating a generation that sees good governance as a lived reality, through civic action, community leadership and constant engagement with power.

Africa’s future depends on youth who don’t just vote, but who build. And that future starts now.

Date: August 2, 2025

Schedule: 5pm Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) | 6pm West Africa Time (WAT) | 7pm Central Africa Time (CAT) | 8pm East Africa Time (EAT)

Location: https://x.com/i/spaces/1ZkJzYRzyXoGv

https://x.com/i/spaces/1ZkJzYRzyXoGv