Dakar, the Senegalese capital, is preparing to host the second edition of the African Youth Awards (AJA) from November 27 to 29, 2025. This major event, under the strategic theme "Tech & Digital Sovereignty", aims to propel the leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship of young people on the continent.

Ecobank's strong commitment to youth

The event is co-organized by Ecobank Senegal and Ecobank Côte d'Ivoire , reaffirming the pan-African banking group's role as a catalyst for digital transformation and financial inclusion. With over 60% of its population under 25, Africa is placing its youth at the heart of its development.

1. Digital Sovereignty and Inclusion: By supporting AJA, Ecobank highlights its digital solutions, including “Mobile and Omni” products, designed to facilitate access to financial services and encourage the economic empowerment of youth.
2. Dakar, Hub of Opportunities: For Sahid Yallou, Managing Director of Ecobank Senegal, this support confirms the institution's ambition to be a "hub for financial and digital inclusion." He emphasized that "Dakar is thus becoming the point of convergence between African talent and the opportunities of the future."
3. The sponsor's vision: Paul-Harry Aithnard, Regional Executive Director for the WAEMU and CEO of Ecobank Côte d'Ivoire, and sponsor of the event, emphasized that African digital sovereignty relies on education, technology, and cooperation . He added that the AJA (Young African Associations) are a way for the company to support youth towards an inclusive and sustainable economic model.

Celebrating and training a new generation of leaders

Created in 2023 by the Franco-Senegalese journalist Diara Ndiaye , the AJA's mission is to celebrate, support and train a new wave of African and diaspora leaders.

Key Indicator	Figure	Detail
Applications are expected.	Nearly 3,000	This demonstrates the growing appeal of the event.
Participants gathered	Approximately 300	Young entrepreneurs and students from various African countries.
Accompaniement	12 months post-event	Mentoring and strategic follow-up program.

The program for this edition will be particularly rich, including mentoring sessions , strategic panels and the awarding of prizes that reward excellence and innovation.

Ecobank has a presence in 34 sub-Saharan African countries, as well as in France, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and China.