Fostering sustainable, equitable and youth-led development

Empowered Youth, Empowered Communities.
About Us

The Horn of Africa Youth Network (HoAYN) is a dynamic regional network of youth-serving organizations dedicated to advancing sustainable, equitable, and youth-led development across the Horn of Africa. Established to unite young voices and strengthen collaboration across borders, HoAYN brings together diverse youth-led and youth-focused civil society organizations to drive transformative change in the region.

Our work is grounded in the belief that young people are not just beneficiaries of development but active agents of change capable of shaping inclusive societies, influencing policy, and driving sustainable peace and progress. We create spaces where youth can participate meaningfully in decision-making processes, lead advocacy efforts, and contribute solutions to the challenges affecting their communities.

Our Impact in Numbers
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What We Do

Peace and Security

We support youth-led peacebuilding initiatives that promote dialogue, reconciliation, and social cohesion in communities affected by conflict and instability.

Civic Participation and Governance

We champion youth inclusion in governance and decision-making processes at all levels.

Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

HoAYN advances gender justice by amplifying the voices of young women and girls, promoting leadership, and challenging harmful social norms.

Youth Economic Empowerment

We promote economic opportunities for young people through entrepreneurship training, digital skills development, and social innovation programs. By equipping youth with practical skills and access to resources.

Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability

We empower youth to lead climate action and environmental protection efforts, through awareness, advocacy, and green innovation.

Migration and Human Mobility

Recognizing the unique challenges facing young migrants, refugees, and displaced persons in the Horn of Africa, HoAYN advocates for safe, dignified, and rights-based migration.

COP 30

As the world prepares for COP 30, the Horn of Africa Youth Network (HoAYN) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing youth-led climate action and environmental justice across the Horn of Africa region.

How We Work

HoAYN's 4-Step Impact Matrix

HoAYN’s work is guided by a participatory, evidence-based, and youth-centred approach. Our model operates through four interconnected steps that turn ideas into action and impact across the Horn of Africa.

  • Engage

    We identify and bring together youth-led and youth-serving organizations across the region to foster collaboration, dialogue, and shared purpose.

  • Empower

    Through training, mentorship, and access to resources, we strengthen the ability of young people and organizations to lead advocacy, entrepreneurship, and peace initiatives.

  • Advocate

    We conduct research and evidence-based advocacy to influence policies that promote civic participation, equality, and sustainable development.

  • Transform

    We promote innovation, monitor results, and scale up successful youth-led models to ensure long-term, sustainable transformation in communities.

Partner With Us to Advance Youth-Led Development.

Together for a Resilient and Youth-Led Horn of Africa.

Join us in empowering the next generation of changemakers across the Horn of Africa. At HoAYN, we believe that when youth are supported, communities thrive and nations transform. Your partnership, resources, and advocacy can help us expand civic space, drive climate action, promote peace, and create lasting opportunities for young people.

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Our Blog

Read from the Frontlines of Youth-Led Development

Explore our blog to learn, connect, and be part of the movement shaping a more peaceful and equitable Horn of Africa.