GDP’s Vision for Inspiring, Connecting, and Equipping the Youth
East Africa is home to one of the youngest populations in the world, with over 60% of its people under the age of 25. Yet this vibrant youth demographic faces real obstacles: high unemployment, limited access to quality education, and social barriers that stifle their potential. According to the International Labor Organization, youth unemployment in East Africa can reach as high as 25%, leaving many young people vulnerable to poverty and marginalization.
The need for youth empowerment initiatives has never been clearer. These young people aren’t just East Africa’s future — they’re the key to unlocking lasting change across the region right now.
How GDP Is Meeting the Need
The Global Development Project (GDP) is rising to meet this need head-on with dynamic programs designed to inspire, connect, and equip young people for success.
Quarterly Youth Empowerment Summits
Central to this effort are GDP’s quarterly Youth Empowerment Summits, held throughout Kenya. Hundreds of youth from diverse backgrounds come together at each summit to learn, collaborate, and grow.
These summits are more than events — they’re lively, interactive spaces where young people:
- Share experiences and uplift one another
- Build lasting friendships across cultures and communities
- Develop practical leadership skills
- Embrace innovation and creative problem-solving
- Take home tools to become agents of change in their own communities
By fostering this kind of supportive community, GDP helps youth move from potential to action — building the leadership skills and confidence that ripple outward into their families and neighborhoods long after each summit ends.
Why This Work Matters
We believe that the youth we engage with today are the leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries of tomorrow. Watching them come together — full of energy, hope, and determination — is nothing short of inspiring.
We’re committed to continuing this work: molding a generation that will shape East Africa’s future with creativity, resilience, and heart. Together, we’re planting the seeds for a brighter tomorrow, one empowered young person at a time.
Learn more about our Youth Leadership Centres in Kenya
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GDP Youth Empowerment Summit? A Youth Empowerment Summit is a quarterly gathering held throughout Kenya where hundreds of young people come together to build leadership skills, connect across cultures, and gain the tools and confidence to become agents of change in their own communities.
How often are the summits held? GDP holds Youth Empowerment Summits quarterly — four times a year — across various locations in Kenya.
Who can attend a Youth Empowerment Summit? The summits welcome youth from diverse backgrounds across Kenya.
Why is youth unemployment such a critical issue in East Africa? Over 60% of East Africa’s population is under 25, and youth unemployment in the region can reach as high as 25%. Without access to leadership development, education, and community support, many young people face poverty and marginalization — which is why GDP focuses on equipping this generation directly.
How can I support GDP’s youth programs? You can support a Youth Empowerment Summit through a donation, or get involved directly through our leadership centers across Kenya
