From 28–30 July 2025, Abuja, Nigeria became a hub of energy and innovation as young leaders, advocates, and technical experts from across the continent gathered for the Youth Working Session on Advancing Youth and Women’s Rights and Empowerment in Land Governance. Organised by the Youth Initiative for Land in Africa (YILAA) in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), the workshop provided a vital platform for shaping a more inclusive and equitable land governance agenda for Africa.

The session focused on strengthening youth and women’s participation in land governance through four core objectives: finalising a coordinated work plan, building leadership and advocacy capacity, identifying policy gaps, and enhancing YILAA’s organisational structures. Discussions addressed youth engagement, tools and resources, and capacity building, with emphasis on digital platforms, targeted training, and resource mobilisation.

Policy recommendations from the session included integrating land rights education into curricula, enforcing joint land titling, implementing digital land registration systems, promoting gender parity in decision-making, and bridging the rural digital divide.

The Institute of Land, Livelihoods and Housing (ILLH) at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) participated in the workshop, further demonstrating its commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable land governance in Africa.