Insights from the young people who serve on youth advisory councils in Africa: a mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND: Youth Advisory Councils (YAC) are increasingly recognized as key mechanisms to promote meaningful youth engagement. Despite the rapidly growing adolescent population in Africa, existing research on youth engagement largely focuses on barriers to youth engagement in non-African contexts. This mixed-methods study expands understanding of youth engagement by examining who participates in YACs in Africa, how YAC members in Africa define meaningful youth engagement, and what factors facilitate their participation. METHODS: This cross-sectional study draws on quantitative surveys (n = 154) and qualitative interviews (n = 14) with current or past YAC members living in Africa (aged 18-30 years old). Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics and interviews were analyzed thematically. Findings from both sources were triangulated to identify key patterns. RESULTS: Participants resided across 15 countries, and the majority were current YAC members (94.2%). Despite diverse experiences within their roles on advisory councils, YAC members shared a common conceptualization of meaningful youth engagement, including co-creating and valuing youth voices. Further, YAC members voiced that co-creating and valuing youth voices is attainable through two key factors: integrating youth perspectives into organizational frameworks and providing key support. However, many participants' lived experiences as youth advisors fell short of true meaningful youth engagement. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the importance of youth-led engagement in Africa and organizational support to foster meaningful youth engagement, particularly in light of the continent's rapidly expanding youth demographic. Engaging and amplifying the voices of adolescents when developing policies and advocating for solutions is essential for both youth development and social and economic outcomes.