Uganda is set to host the Afro-Arab Youth Congress 2025, a landmark international gathering aimed at amplifying youth voices for peace, unity, and prosperity across Africa and the Arab world.
The event, scheduled for October 7 to 10, 2025, will be held at Speke Resort Munyonyo and is expected to attract over 1,000 delegates, including youth leaders, policymakers, innovators, and heads of state from Afro-Arab countries.
Speaking on Wednesday,Oliva Mutesi, the president of the Pan African Youth Union, called upon all young Africans and Arabs to attend the congress but also unite against oppression, war, and global discrimination.
“We are being attacked. So it’s time we become each other’s keepers,” she said.
“Africa and Arab countries are supposed to be each other’s people. Let’s use this platform to speak about our issues and protect one another.”
She emphasized that young people must take charge of the continent’s future.
“Older generations fought colonialism. Now we are fighting a mental war through manipulation and negative media narratives,” she said. “Africa is not the worst continent. I’ve traveled the world, I know we have the best food, climate, and people.”
Calling for a shift in mindset, Mutesi urged young Africans to value their numbers and become the engine of development:
“We always say the future is Africa. Well, that future is us—the youth. Let’s turn our numbers into a strength like China did.”
Officials said this international gathering will amplify youth voices for peace, unity, and prosperity
The congress to be held under the theme "Amplifying Youth Voices for Peace, Unity, and Development," will also commemorate the 21st anniversary of the Afro-Arab Youth Council and launch a fundraising drive for the construction of its international headquarters in Nakawuka, Uganda.
The event will feature several high-level activities including; the launch of a $150–200 million fundraising campaign for the council’s new international headquarters, a non-elective General Assembly, The Kampala Declaration on Afro-Arab Youth Cooperation, and cultural exchange programs, exhibitions, and innovation showcases.
Dr. Abbas Agaba, Secretary General of the Afro-Arab Youth Council, unveiled ambitious plans for a futuristic Afro-Arab Youth City to be constructed in Uganda.
“The international headquarters will house five projects: an office block, an international-standard hotel, a sports stadium, a cultural heritage center, and a University of Science and Technology,” he said.
“This is more than a building; it’s a dream city that will promote unity, culture exchange, and youth empowerment.”
Dr. Agaba praised President Museveni for fulfilling his pledge of 50 acres of land, which he successfully delivered for the construction of the Afro-Arab Youth Council international headquarters.
“He pledged 50 acres of land and fulfilled all conditions necessary for Uganda to host this organization. He has written fundraising letters to his fellow heads of state and appointed a special envoy, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, to coordinate these efforts," Dr Agaba said.
He confirmed the total cost of the project is estimated between $150 and $200 million, and construction is expected to begin soon after the Congress.