Pato Kelesitse, Programme Associate: Adɔyɛ at the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI), recently participated in a continental policy dialogue in Nairobi, Kenya, as part of the Youth Programming Innovation Labs (YPILs), a year-long African research initiative working to strengthen youth programming and inform future policy across the continent.
The initiative, which runs from February to October 2026, is led by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), Positive Agenda Advisory (P2A) and Université Alassane Ouattara (UAO) in partnership with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). It brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers and youth leaders to generate evidence that strengthens youth agency, promotes more inclusive development systems, and contributes to future youth policy and programming in Africa.
Participants were invited to the initiative because their work demonstrated strong alignment with the project’s objectives, particularly in youth leadership and co-creation, innovative practice, collaborative approaches, and intersectional relevance.
On 17 July 2026, Kelesitse contributed to the hybrid policy dialogue titled “From Participation to Influence: Systemic Innovations to Shape Africa’s Demographic Dividend” in her capacity as a representative of Sustain267, an African social enterprise and advocacy organisation dedicated to advancing climate justice, sustainability, and environmental consciousness. The dialogue explored practical ways to strengthen youth influence in policy processes, integrate youth-led innovation into development agendas, and build stronger partnerships between governments, researchers, civil society, and young people.
Kelesitse also serves as Programme Associate: Adɔyɛ at the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI). Adɔyɛ, meaning “Love in Action,” is CAPSI’s programme dedicated to recognising, understanding, celebrating, supporting, and amplifying the diverse roles of women in African philanthropy. Through research, dialogue, and knowledge production, the programme centres African women’s contributions to philanthropy, social investment, community leadership, and development across the continent.
Her participation reflects CAPSI’s broader commitment to ensuring that African research contributes to public policy and practice. Based at Wits Business School, the Centre advances African philanthropy and social investment by producing evidence that informs decision-making, strengthens institutions, and supports sustainable development in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
As Africa continues to invest in the leadership and agency of its growing youth population, initiatives such as the Youth Programming Innovation Labs demonstrate the value of connecting research, policy, and practice to develop solutions that are informed by African knowledge and responsive to African realities.
