Youth Alliance for Sustainable Development YASDev

06/06/2026

With UNDP in Sierra Leone – we just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

05/06/2026

05/06/2026

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2026

We are honored and grateful to see our Executive Director Mr. Mohamed Jalloh featured by as part of their World Environment Day recognition.

This recognition is not just a reflection of one individual, but of the collective efforts of the entire Youth Alliance for Sustainable Development YASDev team, our partners, volunteers, and the communities we serve.

As we mark , we remain committed to empowering young people, advancing climate action, promoting environmental sustainability, and building resilient communities across Sierra Leone.

We extend our sincere appreciation to for highlighting youth leadership and environmental champions and policymakers who are working to create a greener and more sustainable future.

Together, we can inspire action, drive change, and protect our planet for generations to come.

Fridays For Future - Sierra Leone ACSEA ActionAid Sierra Leone YAF Africa Campaign Youth 4 Climate Change Action Ministry Of The Environment & Climate Change Patriotic Advocacy Network Sierra Leone Pan African Climate Justice Alliance

05/06/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 || 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝟐𝟗 - 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐩𝐚𝐧

In this episode of The Battle for African Agriculture, Dr. Millionbelay Ali speaks with Gideon Gatpan Thoar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources in the East African Legislative Assembly, about why agriculture policy matters so deeply at the regional level and why law must play a central role in protecting Africa’s food systems. Drawing on his background in government, humanitarian work, and regional politics, he explains that agriculture is the backbone of African economies and cannot be safeguarded without strong laws and policies. He warns that if Africans lose control over their food systems, seed systems, and policy direction, the continent could find itself entering what he describes as a new form of colonization.

The conversation explores the major challenges facing farmers in East Africa, including unequal competition between smallholders and large corporations, land grabbing, weak access to finance, poor irrigation, insufficient extension services, market barriers, and the slow implementation of regional laws. Mr. Gideon explains how the East African Legislative Assembly works to harmonize agricultural laws across member states, but also admits that implementation remains a serious weakness and that political will is often inconsistent. He speaks strongly in support of agroecology and food sovereignty, saying that East Africa must protect local seed producers, local plant breeders, and indigenous farming systems, especially as the region considers the East African Community Seed and Plant Variety Bill 2025. He also argues that the Green Revolution model has been pushed from above with powerful financial backing, even though Africa can still produce enough food without sacrificing health, safety, and control over its own systems.

Mr. Gideon also raises alarm about GMOs, biodigital technologies, and the growing struggle over data governance in Africa. He says technologies that tamper with genes or collect and control African data from outside the continent must be approached with great caution, especially when they are imposed from above or financed from outside. He argues that Africa must interrupt the chain of external data extraction, treat data as a source of power and wealth, and build systems in which local communities can shape and control the technologies that affect them.

Listen to the full conversation here

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWXdx0bMYjU
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1wPUpgj7NioDCVS6tIwY73?si=nTqsSI4HR5ywT8Djky4oHQ
ApplePodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-governance-crisis-behind-africas-food-system/id1814081549?i=1000770056654

05/06/2026

World Environment Day 2026

Today, is proud to join the Freetown Innovation Lab and partners in celebrating World Environment Day under the theme "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future."

Together, we are supporting a day of action through media engagement, community outreach, beach clean-up activities, waste recycling education, and the launch of a waste recycling station along the Aberdeen–Lumley coastline.

Event Details
Date: 5th June, 2026 (Today!)
Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Aberdeen to Lumley Beach, Freetown
🚀
We are excited to collaborate with the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry Of The Environment & Climate Change and other partners to advance environmental protection and climate resilience.

💚 Together, let's beat plastic pollution and build a cleaner, greener Sierra Leone.

Youth Alliance for Sustainable Development YASDev ACSEA Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone PACJA Sierra Leone ActionAid Sierra Leone Beckma Empowerment Initiative -Bemi SHE4Peace Patriotic Advocacy Network Sierra Leone Youth 4 Climate Change Action Fridays For Future - Sierra Leone Sunrise Movement Sierra Leone UN Environment Programme UNDP in Sierra Leone European Union in Sierra Leone

26/05/2026

At the heart of Africa’s climate and development finance discussions is the growing role of civil society leadership, accountability, and people-centered action — a space where Dr. Augustine B Njamnshi, Chair of the Bank Civil Society Coalition on Climate and Energy, continues to play a critical leadership role in amplifying African voices and advancing equitable climate and energy solutions across the continent.

The Youth Alliance for Sustainable Development YASDev warmly welcomes the upcoming high-level dialogue organized by the Civil Society and Community Engagement Division of the African Development Bank Group under the theme:

“Mobilising Civil Society, Philanthropies, and the Diaspora to Increase Development Financing for Africa in a Fragmented World.”

Scheduled for Thursday, 28 May 2026, during the 2026 Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, this engagement comes at a defining moment for Africa as the continent navigates climate vulnerabilities, debt burdens, energy access challenges, and widening development financing gaps.

As YASDev, we see this dialogue as a strategic opportunity to strengthen collaboration between civil society organisations, diaspora networks, philanthropies, and development finance institutions toward building a resilient, inclusive, and self-reliant Africa.

The discussions are expected to focus on:
• Domestic resource mobilisation;
• Diaspora investments for sustainable development;
• Philanthropy as a driver for transformation;
• Accountability and governance in development financing;
• Operationalising the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD).

These priorities strongly resonate with YASDev’s work in climate governance, youth leadership, sustainable agriculture, environmental justice, and community resilience in Sierra Leone and beyond.

Africa’s development future must be driven not only by external financing, but by the strength of its people, youth innovation, local solutions, and collective partnerships. Climate finance and sustainable energy investments must remain accessible, transparent, and responsive to vulnerable communities.

remains committed to contributing toward a financing ecosystem that empowers communities and delivers sustainable impact for future generations.

Together, Africa can redefine development financing through solidarity, innovation, accountability, and collective action.

Fridays For Future - Sierra Leone ACSEA PACJA Sierra Leone Green Leone Youth 4 Climate Change Action ActionAid Sierra Leone Beckma Empowerment Initiative -Bemi Augustine B Njamnshi SHE4Peace Sunrise Movement Sierra Leone Aspire Youth Empowerment Innovation Hub Patriotic Advocacy Network Sierra Leone YAF Africa Campaign

22/05/2026

Join the CIF CSO Observer Zoom Meeting Now!

Meeting ID: 935 7895 7901
Passcode: CIFAf@2026

👉 Click here
to join: worldbankgroup.zoom.us/j/93578957901

22/05/2026

Be part of he conversation: A friendly, down-to-earth conversation about climate finance in Africa Today.

Join us today May 22, 2026 (9–11 AM ET / 4–6 PM EAT/ west Africa Time 1-3 PM) to learn how funding works, how observers keep things accountable, and ask your questions live.

Hosted by Joe, Florence, and special guest Dora Cudjoe. Come share your voice see you on Zoom.

Meeting ID: 935 7895 7901
Passcode: CIFAf@2026

👉 Click here
to join: worldbankgroup.zoom.us/j/93578957901
Yve Gambia
Youth Alliance for Sustainable Development YASDev

15/05/2026

Yesterday, we laid our dear brother, friend, and valued partner, Mr. Mohamed Fofana, to rest in his village — a moment filled with grief, reflection, and deep sorrow for all of us at Youth Alliance for Sustainable Development YASDev.

As an organization that closely worked alongside Mohamed and the ActionAid Sierra Leone team over the years, we witnessed firsthand his unwavering dedication, humility, professionalism, and passion for serving communities. Mohamed was more than a partner to YASDev; he was a brother, mentor, and a strong pillar in many of the engagements and collaborations we proudly shared together.

His calm spirit, wisdom, and genuine commitment to empowering young people and vulnerable communities made every partnership meaningful and impactful. He believed strongly in collective action, inclusion, and creating opportunities that would leave lasting change in society. Through countless meetings, field engagements, advocacy spaces, and conversations, Mohamed continuously inspired those around him to believe in a better future for Sierra Leone and beyond.

At , we will forever cherish the moments, ideas, and visions we shared together. It is painful knowing that many of the aspirations and partnerships we looked forward to advancing together will now remain memories with a truly remarkable soul.

Mohamed’s passing is not only a loss to his family and the ActionAid family, but also to the development sector, the youth movement, and every life he touched through his kindness, guidance, and leadership.

We pray that Allah forgives his shortcomings, grants him eternal peace, and strengthens his family, loved ones, colleagues, and everyone mourning this painful loss.

Rest well, big brother Mohamed Fofana.
Your legacy, impact, and the values you stood for will continue to live on through the many lives and communities you inspired.