Africa's Youth Sharpeners Conference 2026

The Africa’s Youth Sharpeners Conference (AYSC) is a Pan-African youth development platform grounded in Positive Youth Development (PYD) principles, designed to identify, strengthen, and activate the capabilities of young people into productive, responsible, and impact-driven contributions across the continent

A central component of the conference is the Activation Labs. These are practical, solution-driven working sessions where participants engage in structured problem-solving, refine ideas, and prepare for real-world application. The Labs focus on critical areas including AI and Digital Transformation, Jobs and the Future of Work, Agribusiness and Food Systems, and Climate Change and Energy Transition. Each lab is designed to move participants from discussion to execution, ensuring that ideas developed are actionable, relevant, and aligned with current economic and development priorities across Africa.

Beyond the Activation Labs, interested participants will engage in structured opportunity tracks designed to translate learning and ideas into real-world outcomes, including the Business Pitch Track for venture validation and investment engagement and the Employment Interview Track for direct access to structured recruitment opportunities with partner organizations.

Business Pitch Track

The Business Pitch Track is a live investment and venture validation platform where selected participants present their business ideas before a panel of investors, industry experts, and a live audience. Participants pitch individually or in teams of two to five members, showcasing their solutions, business models, and growth potential. Each pitch is followed by a structured interrogation and feedback session from the panel to assess viability, scalability, and impact. Promising ventures may receive interest, support, or investment consideration from attending partners and investors.

Employment Interview Track

The Employment Interview Track is a structured career placement platform designed for shortlisted applicants seeking job opportunities across partner organizations. Selected candidates undergo live, panel-based interviews conducted by HR professionals and industry experts. Each participant presents their experience, competencies, and career readiness in a formal interview setting. Successful candidates may be retained in employer databases, recommended for roles, or considered for direct placement opportunities within participating organizations based on merit and organizational fit.

Information provided in this form will be used strictly for conference planning, participant engagement, and post-conference opportunities, including development pathways and potential referrals within YDP Ghana’s partner network

Date: Saturday, 29th August 2026
Theme: Empowered Youth Driving Sustainable Development Through Action.
Convened by: Youth Development Project Ghana (YDP Ghana)
Venue: Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) Ghana Auditorium, Trinity Avenue, Accra.

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Participant Registration

Registration Fee & Participation Benefits

The registration fee for the Africa’s Youth Sharpeners Conference (AYSC) 2026 is GHS 200 (In-person) and GHS 120 (Virtual).

Key opportunities include
Activation Labs, Business & Employer Connections, and Pitch & Career Opportunities, high level strategic networking and certificates.

Participants will also have access to the pre-conference Sharpeners Webinar Series, designed to prepare and position them within their selected development track ahead of the main event. In addition, participants may have the opportunity to engage in the Youth Action Challenge, including pitching business ideas or being considered for career-related opportunities and referrals through YDP Ghana’s partner network. All such opportunities are merit-based and not guaranteed.

Payment may be made immediately after registration or 2 months before the day of events to secure a spot using the payment options provided upon form submission. All registrations are securely recorded, and participants will receive follow-up communication to confirm payment and participation details. Proof of payment should be retained for reference.

Pitch Track Fees

While the general participation for the Africa’s Youth Sharpeners Conference (AYSC) is GHS 200 for in-person attendees and GHS 120 for virtual attendees, covering full access to all conference sessions, including activation labs, keynote sessions, and networking activities.

Participants who wish to take part in the Business Pitch Track are required to register under the Pitch Track category at GHS 550 (per lead participant and payment made immediately after registration for immediate processing of engagement and documents). This fee grants full conference access and eligibility to pitch before the panel and audience throughout the event. Where a pitching team attends, each additional team member must also be registered as a conference participant at the standard GHS 200 in-person rate to ensure full access to conference sessions and seating.

For the Employment Interview Track, shortlisted applicants will be required to pay a confirmation and interview facilitation fee of GHS 100, which covers structured access to the panel interview process. Where an applicant attends with accompanying team members or supporters, each additional participant will be required to register under the standard GHS 200 in-person fee. You are also required to pay the registration fee immediately after registration for immediate processing of engagement and documents.

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The Africa’s Youth Sharpeners Conference (AYSC) 2026 offers organizations, institutions, and individuals the opportunity to actively participate in identifying, refining, and activating the next generation of African leaders, entrepreneurs, and contributors.

Our partnership and investment packages are intentionally designed to move beyond traditional sponsorship models, focusing instead on structured engagement, talent access, and measurable development outcomes. Partners are positioned not just for visibility, but for meaningful involvement in youth capacity building, opportunity creation, and continental dialogue.

Below are the carefully structured partnership and investment packages for AYSC 2026.

For investors, venture capital firms, angel investors, and HR firms who are interested in investing in, funding, or partnering with SMEs and businesses participating in the Africa’s Youth Sharpeners Conference (AYSC), all expressions of interest should be directed to the CEO via email at gideon.degbe@ydpghana.org

This ensures structured engagement and proper alignment with verified ventures within the conference ecosystem.

1. Platinum Package – Premium Partners

Contribution: GHS 45,000

Who this is for:
Corporations, foundations, and institutions seeking maximum visibility and high-impact engagement with youth leaders, entrepreneurs, and change makers.

Benefits Include:

  • Opportunity to deliver a 3-minute high-impact brand address within the main conference programme
  • Dedicated premium exhibition booth/activation space for direct engagement with participants
  • Structured visibility within the conference flow to encourage participant traffic to partner booth areas
  • Allocation of 15 participant slots (youth delegates) under the partner’s sponsorship
  • Commercial video advertising (2 minutes): played at designated intervals during the event, plus promotion on YDP Ghana social media platforms for one-week post-event
  • Top-tier logo placement on all major event materials, flyers, digital campaigns, stage backdrops, and conference branding
  • Recognition in press releases, media mentions, and the official post-event impact report
  • Special acknowledgement during opening and closing remarks

2. Gold Package – Strategic Partners

Contribution: GHS 25,000

Who this is for:
Organizations seeking strong youth engagement and brand positioning through skills development, mentorship, or advocacy.

Benefits Include:

  • Dedicated exhibition booth/activation space for participant engagement
  • Structured visibility within the conference flow to support traffic to partner booths
  • Allocation of 8 participant slots (youth delegates) under the partner’s sponsorship
  • Commercial video advertising (1 minute): played at designated intervals during the event, plus one-week social media promotion
  • Logo placement on event flyers, digital campaigns, and selected conference branding
  • Recognition in the post-event report and conference social media highlights
  • Access for partner representatives to networking and engagement spaces during the conference

3. Silver Package – Supporting Partners

Contribution: GHS 12,000

Who this is for:
SMEs, start-ups, NGOs, and organizations seeking credible exposure and association with a national youth-focused platform.

Benefits Include:

  • Logo placement on select event flyers, social media posts, and the digital conference program
  • Recognition during the conference as a Supporting Partner
  • Opportunity to display branded materials or a standard exhibition presence (non-premium space)
  • Opportunity to include branded materials or giveaways for participants
  • Inclusion in the post-event appreciation and impact communications

4. Patron / Friend of the Conference

Contribution: GHS 5,000

Who this is for:
Individuals, alumni, small organizations, and well-wishers supporting youth development and national dialogue.

Benefits Include:

  • Name or logo recognition on the conference website and select social media posts
  • Acknowledgement during the conference as a Friend of AYSC
  • Access to post-conference updates and impact reports
  • Informal engagement opportunities with participants and organizers