Advancing youth-led peacebuilding through digital technologies in Africa

Can Africa’s young innovators harness AI for peace amid digital divides and policy gaps? Young people in Africa are revolutionising peacebuilding through artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies. They are not just consumers, but also creators of knowledge, transforming how we approach early warning, communication and governance. However, digital divides, inadequate policies and discriminatory structures risk stifling progress. As Africa’s policy framework on AI takes shape, this report advocates for inclusive, accountable frameworks that empower young people to drive Africa’s digital peace future.   About the author Emmaculate Asige Liaga is a Researcher at the Institute for Security Studies.    Acknowledgement The author expresses her sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the development of this policy brief which results from a joint ISS-UNDP-AUC and Inclusive Peace session at the Geneva Peace Week meets Addis that took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in April 2025. Special thanks to Amel Ouchenane and Raquel Leandro from the United Nations Development Programme for their valuable insights and contributions. The author also thanks Taye Abdulkadir, from the AU (Y4P Program) and Philip Poppelreuter from Inclusive Peace for their insightful guidance throughout the review process.  Publications --> Download Policy Brief 203 PDF