The Africa Young Parliamentarians Network (AYPN) is proud to be part of the Third Debts and Development Academy (DaDA III), currently underway in Arusha, Tanzania, and organized by the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD).

This year’s Academy brings together young parliamentarians, policy experts, and youth leaders from across the African continent to engage in critical dialogue on debt justice, economic governance, and the future of sustainable development in Africa. The Academy serves as a platform for intergenerational learning, strategic collaboration, and the strengthening of youth-led policy spaces on the continent.

AYPN is represented by a distinguished delegation led by Hon. Vuyo Zungula (South Africa), the Secretary General of the Network, alongside Hon. Zanele Tanele Magagula (Kingdom of Eswatini) and Hon. Hermione Bolumbe (Democratic Republic of Congo). Their presence affirms the growing role of young legislators in continental economic and governance discourse.

Also present is the Executive Director of AYPN, Mr. Antony Buluma, who continues to steer the Network’s strategic engagements across Africa. His participation highlights AYPN’s commitment to building bridges between policy, youth-led movements, and institutional leadership that reflects the continent’s evolving priorities.

The Academy has also drawn participation from young leaders representing a variety of civil society organizations, think tanks, and advocacy platforms across Africa, fostering a vibrant space for learning, alliance-building, and shaping policy narratives that prioritize African-led solutions to debt and development.

AYPN remains steadfast in its mission to amplify youth voices within policy-making spaces and ensure that the next generation of leaders is equipped not only with knowledge but with the networks and tools necessary to drive a systemic, values-driven shift in African governance.

As conversations on Africa’s debt architecture evolve, platforms like DaDA III provide the much-needed opportunity to challenge outdated models and build a new leadership ideology—neither right-wing nor left-wing, but one grounded in justice, people, and progress.