Day 5 of the Youth SDGs Forum 2026 opened with a dynamic session on “Accelerating Action through
Partnerships,” aligning directly with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. SDG 17 emphasizes that
achieving sustainable development requires collaboration across governments, the private sector, civil
society, and communities. For young people, this goal is not abstract; it determines whether their
innovations, enterprises, and leadership can thrive in environments that are inclusive, well-financed, and
sustainable.
Moderated by Susan Wamalwa of IPRHD Africa, the panel featured Asha Bonaya, Lavina Oluoch of the
AU-EU Youth Voices Lab, Robert Muthomi from the Swedish Embassy, Dr. Kinyajui of KEPSA,
Geraldine, and Vincent Ochieng of the Global Youth Foundation Kenya. Together, they unpack what
genuine partnership means in practice, moving beyond transactional corporate social responsibility to
transformative collaboration. Panelists emphasized co-ownership, inclusion, and local leadership as the
pillars of meaningful partnership, reminding participants that youth must be treated as equal decision-
makers, not passive beneficiaries.
The discussion highlighted the shifting global funding landscape, where reliance on donor-led financing is
declining. Panelists described this as both a challenge and an opportunity, urging youth to explore locally
driven financing mechanisms such as village savings groups, table banking, and community philanthropy.
Government funds like the Youth Enterprise Development Fund and Hustler Fund were noted as
important tools, though barriers of awareness and access remain. Vincent Ochieng underscored the
urgency of sustainability, citing data that 54% of youth-led enterprises collapse due to limited skills,
mentorship gaps, and a lack of market linkages. His call was clear: “The African people have the power.
We know where the problems are, and we can come together to solve them.”
Policy and private sector perspectives reinforced the need for enabling environments. Dr. Kinyajui
emphasized green financing instruments and centralized opportunity databases to prevent duplication,
while Robert Muthomi urged development partners to adopt blended financing models and dismantle
structural barriers that exclude youth. Audience interventions added authenticity, with participants
questioning why government programs continue to fund short-term projects rather than build sustainable
market linkages, and raising concerns about representation from marginalized regions.
The session concluded with strong calls to action: financial institutions must design flexible, collateral-
light credit facilities tailored to youth-led enterprises; governments must expand outreach and
accessibility of existing funds; civil society must coordinate rather than duplicate efforts; and youth
themselves must build strong business fundamentals and proactively seek mentorship. The private sector
was urged to champion green financing and advocate for policies that protect youth in public-private
partnerships.
This discussion demonstrated that SDG 17 is not just about global cooperation; it is about creating
structures that allow young people to innovate, sustain enterprises, and lead change in their communities.
By embedding sustainability, dismantling barriers, and centering youth as co-owners of solutions,
partnerships can move from rhetoric to real impact. For the youth of Africa, these partnerships are not
optional; they are the foundation upon which their leadership and the acceleration of the SDGs will stand.
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