YoungTalk Stage

Apply to Speak

Deliver a powerful TEDx-style talk on leadership, empowerment, and social impact at YALS 2027. Inspire 1,000+ delegates from across Africa.

YoungTalk is the signature speaking segment at the Young African Leaders Summit. It gives bold thinkers, innovators, and emerging leaders a platform to deliver compelling short talks (8 minutes maximum) on leadership, empowerment, and social impact. Past YoungTalk speakers have gone on to become TEDx speakers, policy advisors, and continental thought leaders.

We are looking for speakers who can move a room. Not rehearsed pitches or academic lectures, but real stories of transformation, challenge, and breakthrough from Africa's rising generation.

Note: YoungTalk speaker applicants must have submitted their YALS 2027 delegate registration and paid the registration fee in full. Only confirmed, paid delegates will be considered for speaking slots. This ensures every speaker is a fully committed participant in the summit experience.

What We Look For

Originality

A fresh perspective or untold story that challenges conventional thinking on leadership or development.

Impact

Evidence that your work, idea, or initiative has created meaningful change in your community or sector.

Delivery

The ability to communicate with passion, clarity, and stage presence. We want speakers who command attention.

Relevance

Your topic should resonate with young African leaders and connect to the summit theme: "The Africa We Want by 2040".

Talk Topics

Youth Leadership
Climate Action
Tech Innovation
Mental Health
Entrepreneurship
Governance & Policy
Gender Equality
Education Reform
Creative Arts & Culture
Pan-African Unity
Community Development
Digital Transformation

Speaker Application

Requirement: You must have completed your YALS 2027 delegate registration and paid the registration fee to be eligible. Unpaid registrations will not be reviewed.
Selection: Selected speakers will be notified within 20 working days. If you do not hear from us, your application was not successful this time. Only 8 to 10 speakers are selected per summit.