Addressing Youth Unemployment in Africa through Human Capital Development
YouthUp Global is a youth-focused social enterprise and foundation committed to reducing youth unemployment in Africa by equipping young people with skills, work experience, and access to economic opportunities—today and for the future.
The Challenge
Why YouthUp Global Exists
Africa is home to the world’s fastest-growing youth population, yet millions of young people remain unemployed or underemployed due to skills gaps, limited work experience, and lack of access to opportunity.
YouthUp Global exists to close this gap—by developing Africa’s human capital.
By 2050, Africa will have 25% of the world’s population.
One-third of the world’s youth (ages 15–24) will live in Africa.
Who We Are
Empowering Africa’s Youth for a Sustainable Future
YouthUp Global empowers African youth through two arms: YouthUp Global Ltd, our for-profit social enterprise driving innovative business initiatives like Utidia and Portfodia, and YouthUp Global Foundation, our not-for-profit arm focused on skill development and youth empowerment. Together, we equip young people with the skills, experience, and opportunities to thrive and contribute to Africa’s growth.
Youthup Global
(Non-profit Arm)
Leads advocacy, empowerment, and inclusion programs across Africa.
Utidia & Portfodia
(Social Enterprise Arm)
Builds experience-based employability and portfolio systems for sustainable youth empowerment.
Our Model
One Mission. Two Pathways. One Youthconomy.
We drive youth empowerment through a dual-impact model designed for sustainability
Not-For-Profit Arm - Youthup Global Foundation
Advocacy, leadership, and empowerment programs reaching communities across africa
For-Profit Arm - Youthup Global Ltd
Experience building and digital portfolio that convert skills into proof and proof into opportunities
Our Philosophy
The Power of Youthconomics
At the heart of our work is Youthconomics, our guiding philosophy that Africa’s most sustainable development strategy is investing in the human capital of its youth.
By equipping young Africans with skills, experience, and employability, we are not just empowering individuals we are building nations from the ground up.
Our Impact
Five Years of Impact. One Vision. Endless Possibilities
Active in 30+ African countries
100,000+ youths engaged through programs and campaigns
20,000+ youths engaged through programs and campaigns
50+ collaborative brojects executed continent-wide
150+ partners and mentors across sectors
Community Voices
What Our Community Says
Our Country Ambassadors
Youth Voices Across Africa
Our country Ambassadors are the heartbeat of Youthup Global, passionate young changemakers leading advocacy, mobilization, and empowerment efforts across Africa. Through their leadership Youthup’s vision reaches communities, inspiring transformation with global alignment.
OUR SUSTAINABILITY ARMS
Building the Future of Work
Utidia connects young Africans to real digital work experiences from verified organizations. Through its task based learning model, participants learn by doing, gain credibility, and build portfolios that open doors to global opportunities
Portfodia helps young Africans turn verified experience into visible opportunities. A digital portfolio builder where skills meet proof and proof meets global opportunity
Global & Continental Alignment
Driving Africa’s Transformation Through Aligned Action
United nations SDG’s
AU Agenda 2063 Aspirations
Our mission aligns with both global and continental development frameworks, ensuring every Youthup Global initiative contributes to ”The Africa We Want”
Flagship Campaign - DigitizeHer
Empowering 10,000 Young African Women in Digital Skills & STEM
A post 5th Anniversary campaign dedicated to equipping 10,000 young african women with digital skills, mentorship, and access to STEM opportunities bridging the gender divide and empowering Africa’s next geeneration of female innovators.
Partnerships & Collaboration
Let’s Build the Future of Work in Africa Together
Whether you’re an organization, investor, or changemaker, your partnership can help unlock Africa’s next generation of innovators and leaders.
