Announcing the Governance Consortium G20 Sideline Event: Sustainable Models for Financing Democracy and Development

The Governance Consortium comprising the African Leadership Academy (ALA), Emerging Public Leaders (EPL), LEAP Africa, and the African Leadership University’s Center for Re-Imagined Africa (ALU CRA) and sponsored by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Sub-Saharan Africa (FNF), is proud to announce its upcoming G20 Sideline Event taking place in Johannesburg on November 13, 2025.

Under the theme “Unlocking Democracy with Youth-Centered Financing Models and Innovation,” this high-impact gathering will bring together African youth leaders, policymakers, innovators, and governance actors to co-create sustainable frameworks for financing democracy and development on the continent.

Across Africa, young people represent more than 70% of the population, yet they remain underrepresented in shaping the financing mechanisms that influence governance and growth. This event seeks to change that by positioning youth as co-architects of Africa’s democratic and developmental future.

The day will feature:

1. Keynote and fireside discussions on “Financing for Freedom.”
2. A dynamic panel spotlighting women leaders and parliamentarians driving innovation in governance.
3. Youth-led lightning talks and design sessions co-creating a “New Deal” framework for financing democratic institutions.
4. Collaborative pitches presenting bold, youth-centered financing ideas to influence the G20 and African Union policy spaces.

This event marks a pivotal moment in amplifying African youth voices in global governance conversations. Together, we aim to unlock new, inclusive models that sustain democracy and drive Africa’s progress forward.

Stay tuned for event highlights and outcomes as we shape the future of financing freedom in Africa.