Building Africa's
Designing systems. Building partnerships. Advancing sustainable development across Africa
Who We Are
The Youthup Development Community Foundation exists to strengthen Africa’s development ecosystem by designing innovative systems, building strategic partnerships, advancing evidence-informed solutions, and leading initiatives that create lasting social and economic impact.
We believe sustainable development requires more than isolated projects. It requires strong institutions, collaborative partnerships, trusted knowledge, and scalable systems that enable individuals, organizations, and communities to thrive.
“Africa’s greatest asset is its people.”
— Core founding belief
Our Vision
An Africa where every individual has the opportunity, capabilities, and support to achieve their full potential.
Our Mission
Design, support, and scale innovative systems, partnerships, and initiatives that build human capital across Africa.
Our Role Within the Youthup Global Ecosystem
Youthup Development Community Foundation
Mission leadership · Systems design · Knowledge generation · Partnership mobilization
Utidia
Workforce development solutions delivery
Portfodia
Shared digital infrastructure provision
Leadership Messages
“Africa’s greatest asset is its people. Our greatest responsibility is to build the systems that enable them to thrive.”
The Foundation provides mission leadership for advancing human capital development and sustainable development across Africa — through research, partnerships, innovation, and strategic initiatives.
Dr. Faith Nwaobia
A Message from the Founder
“The Youthup Development Community Foundation exists to transform bold ideas into meaningful impact.”
Every partnership we build, every initiative we advance, and every resource we mobilize is driven by a shared commitment to creating lasting change across Africa.
Ms. Sola Magaji
A Message from the Executive Director
What We Do
The Foundation advances its mission through five interconnected institutional roles that create systemic, lasting impact across Africa.
Design Systems
We identify emerging challenges and develop innovative, scalable, and evidence-informed systems that strengthen human capital and sustainable development.
Build Partnerships
We bring together governments, philanthropy, development institutions, businesses, academia, and civil society to create collective impact.
Mobilize Resources
We mobilize financial, technical, intellectual, and strategic resources that enable transformative programmes and long-term institutional growth.
Generate Knowledge
Through research, thought leadership, advocacy, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning, we generate evidence that informs policy and strengthens development practice.
Advance Impact
We lead strategic initiatives, advocacy campaigns, pan-African programmes, and ecosystem collaborations that translate ideas into measurable impact.
Our Strategic Focus Areas
The Youthup Development Community Foundation advances sustainable development through interconnected focus areas that strengthen people, institutions, and communities across Africa.
Human Capital Development
Workforce Development
Social Entrepreneurship
Digital Inclusion & Emerging Technologies
Research & Knowledge Systems
Gender Equality & Social Inclusion
Climate Action & Green Skills
Community Development & Institutional Strengthening
Our Flagship Initiatives
Tech4Underserved
Expanding equitable access to digital and emerging technology skills for underserved communities, building capabilities needed to participate in the future of work and the digital economy.
DigitizeHer Framework
Framework for advancing women’s digital inclusion, workforce participation, entrepreneurship, and empowerment through integrated programmes.
Youthup Africa Fellowship
A pan-African leadership and capacity development initiative nurturing emerging leaders, professionals, and changemakers committed to driving sustainable development.
Advocacy & Campaigns
Amplifying development conversations, influencing policy, and mobilizing collective action around issues affecting young people and underserved communities across Africa.
Research Publications
Producing research, policy papers, knowledge products, and thought leadership that contribute to evidence-informed decision-making and development practice.
Partner With Us
Join our ecosystem to co-design and co-deliver impactful programmes across Africa.
Research & Knowledge Hub
Research is central to how we design better systems and strengthen development practice. Our knowledge work supports evidence-informed decision-making across Africa’s development ecosystem.
- Research Studies
- Policy Briefs
- Knowledge Publications
- Thought Leadership
- Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
- Development Insights
- Strategic Reports
Research Portal
Evidence-Informed Development
Digital Skills Gaps in Sub-Saharan Africa
Women's Workforce Participation Barriers in West Africa
Africa's Youthconomy: 2026 Landscape Analysis
47 publications available
Join Us in Building Africa's Future
Transformational change requires strong institutions, meaningful partnerships, and people committed to making a difference. Whether you are a development partner, government institution, corporate organization, researcher, volunteer, donor, or changemaker, there is a place for you in our mission.