The Horn of Africa Youth Network (HoAYN) was founded in response to a shared vision: a region where young people are not just seen as beneficiaries of development but as its drivers. Emerging from the recognition that youth across the Horn of Africa face common challenges such as unemployment, conflict, migration, and social exclusion, a coalition of youth-led and youth-focused organizations came together to create a unified regional platform for collaboration, advocacy, and action.
HoAYN was established as a regional network of youth-serving organizations committed to advancing sustainable, equitable, and youth-led development across East and the Horn of Africa. The founders understood that the region’s stability and prosperity depend on harnessing the creativity, resilience, and leadership of its youth population, one of the youngest and most dynamic in the world.
From its early days, HoAYN sought to bridge the gap between grassroots youth voices and regional policy processes. Through partnerships with civil society organizations, intergovernmental bodies, and development partners, the Network began advocating for the meaningful inclusion of young people in peacebuilding, governance, and socio-economic transformation.
Over time, HoAYN has expanded its footprint, bringing together youth-led and youth-focused civil society organizations from ten countries in East and the Horn of Africa: Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, Eritrea, Tanzania, and Djibouti.
Through collective action and collaboration, the Network has implemented regional initiatives that focus on youth migration, peace and security, climate action, economic empowerment, and women and girls’ leadership. Each of these areas reflects HoAYN’s commitment to addressing the structural barriers that limit young people’s participation in development and decision-making.
Today, HoAYN stands as a recognized regional voice for youth empowerment, working hand in hand with national governments, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union Commission, and the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat. The Network continues to advocate for policies that uphold youth rights, enhance civic participation, and build inclusive societies where every young person, regardless of gender, background, or nationality, can thrive and contribute to the region’s shared future.
What began as a small coalition of passionate youth advocates has grown into a vibrant, cross-border movement committed to shaping the narrative of the Horn of Africa from one of conflict and marginalization to one of peace, opportunity, and youth-led transformation.
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.
We identify and bring together youth-led and youth-serving organizations across the region to foster collaboration, dialogue, and shared purpose.
Through training, mentorship, and access to resources, we strengthen the ability of young people and organizations to lead advocacy, entrepreneurship, and peace initiatives.
We conduct research and evidence-based advocacy to influence policies that promote civic participation, equality, and sustainable development.
We promote innovation, monitor results, and scale up successful youth-led models to ensure long-term, sustainable transformation in communities.
