In Africa, a significant portion of the population is made up of young people under the age of 35. Despite this, their needs and priorities are often overlooked in government policies and budgeting. Now, more than ever, African youth have a crucial opportunity to influence the continents policy landscape. Many African countries have laws that require citizen participation in policy-making processes. 

This means that youth policies should be created, implemented, and monitored with active youth participation. Unfortunately, young people are often excluded from key decision-making bodies, or their involvement is limited and unrepresentative.
To create effective policies that truly benefit young people, it is crucial to prioritize their meaningful involvement. This means more than just having young people present; it involves giving them real influence and decision-making power. Young people must also be equipped and well-informed about the processes they want to impact. Due to their diversity, they need to represent not only their interests but also those of their peers, particularly the marginalized and vulnerable. To address these issues, Y-ACT Youth in Action supports young people across Africa in defining what meaningful involvement means to them, identifying gaps in current
decision-making, and developing practical strategies for policymakers. Below, you will find a tool to measure, track, and ensure accountability for meaningful youth involvement.