In a meeting co-hosted by AUDA-NEPAD, the Pan African Youth Union (PYU), and the Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF), youth leaders and stakeholders convened to explore how Sexual and Reproductive Health  (SRH) can help unlock Africa’s development potential. The webinar, themed “Harnessing Demographic Dividend: The Critical Role of Sexual and Reproductive Health,” brought together voices from across the continent to discuss practical pathways for stronger youth-centered health systems.

During the session, Mr. Linton Mchunu, Senior Advisor to the  AUDA-NEPAD CEO, announced a major initiative during his closing remarks: the Call for Youth SRH Ambassadors. In his address, he synthesized key insights, best practices, and recommendations from the discussions, reaffirming that SRH is essential to harnessing the demographic dividend. He emphasized the clear connection between SRHR and opportunities in education, employment, and informed life choices, noting that access to comprehensive services enables young people to pursue their goals with confidence and improved well-being.

The webinar also provided a platform for youth leaders, students, stakeholders, and  National Youth Councils across Africa to share their perspectives, real-life experiences, and advocacy priorities. A central message emerged: SRH must not be treated as a standalone issue, but integrated into broader health and development frameworks.

Participants underscored the importance of embedding SRHR into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to improve overall health outcomes, reduce health inequalities, and strengthen empowerment, particularly for women and girls.  By placing SRHR at the centre of population development, education, and economic policies, Africa can transform its youthful population into a healthy, skilled, and productive engine for sustainable development and growth, ultimately unlocking the full potential of its youth.

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