By Baboloki Semele: The African Forest Forum (AFF), in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), has launched the AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) Community of Practice. This virtual platform aims to empower young professionals, students, and entrepreneurs in the forestry sector across Africa by fostering collaboration and innovation in sustainable forest management.
According to a press release from AFF, the AY4F Community of Practice serves as an interactive space for members to exchange ideas, share best practices, and co-create solutions to advance forest conservation, enhance climate resilience, and unlock opportunities within the green economy. Through knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and networking, the platform equips Africa’s youth with the tools and resources necessary to address pressing environmental challenges and contribute meaningfully to sustainable forest management.
Live discussions are scheduled from today-March 31 to April 11, 2025, occurring daily from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Nairobi Time (09:00 AM to 11:00 AM GMT) via the Howspace platform. The program features interactive chat discussions during the first week and live webinars in the second week, ensuring an engaging and dynamic learning experience.
Comenting on the forum, Prof. Labode Popoola, Executive Secretary-CEO of AFF, emphasized the significance of engaging young people in forestry, stating, “We recognize the critical role that young people play in shaping the future of Africa’s forests and tree resources. By providing a dynamic and inclusive space for engagement, we are fostering the next generation of forestry leaders and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to drive positive change.”
For her part, Dr. Jane Njuguna, CEO of KEFRI, highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting, “We are proud to collaborate with AFF and SLU on this AfricanYouth4Forests (AY4F) initiative, which empowers youth to take an active role in environmental stewardship and the sustainable management of our forests.”
Sara Gräslund, Head of SLU Global, underscored the role of youth in sustainable forestry: “Africa’s youth is crucial in re-thinking sustainable forest management. There are great opportunities in acknowledging this and working together with young professionals and students who drive climate resilience, unlock green economy opportunities, and shape the future of forests.”
The launch of the AY4F Community of Practice aligns with AFF’s broader mission to promote sustainable forest management and ensure that Africa’s forests continue to provide essential ecological, social, and economic benefits. Supported by SLU and KEFRI, the initiative will facilitate research collaborations, mentorship programs, networking, and policy dialogues to enhance youth participation in forestry and environmental governance.
Young changemakers, students, educators, activists, scientists, experts, and policymakers in the forestry sector are invited to join the AY4F Community of Practice and be part of this transformative journey towards a greener and more sustainable Africa.