Powering Queer Youth Movement Across Africa
We are a network of queer youth activists mobilising, supporting and amplifying the voice of LGBTQI+ youths, building visibility and strategic networks supporting the LGBTQI+ youth movement in Africa from Nairobi to Lagos, Accra to Kampala.
Who we are
A movement built by and for African queer youth
The African Queer Youth Initiative (AQYI) is a pan-African, youth-led organization that champions the rights, wellbeing, and leadership of LGBTQ+ young people across Africa. We are a movement, a community, and a force.
What we do
Programs Built around Queer African Realities
Every program we run is co-designed with the communities we serve because change that lasts comes from within.
Economic
Justice
We equip queer African youth with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to achieve economic independence and thrive in their communities. Through mentorship, leadership development, entrepreneurship support, and professional networking, AQYI helps young LGBTQI+ people overcome barriers to employment, strengthen their livelihoods, and build sustainable futures.
By investing in economic empowerment, we are creating pathways to dignity, resilience, and long-term community wellbeing.
Advocacy and Activism
We equip emerging LGBTQI+ youth leaders across Africa with the knowledge, tools, and networks to lead safe, strategic, and impactful advocacy. Through leadership development, digital security training, and movement-building initiatives, we strengthen the capacity of young activists to drive lasting change in their communities.
Our flagship programmes including the FDA Initiative and the Queer Youth Ambassador Programme provide technical support, mentorship, and resources that enable activists to design and implement advocacy campaigns grounded in non-violence, digital safety, and community empowerment.
Together, we are cultivating a new generation of leaders advancing equality, dignity, and human rights across the continent.
Knowledge Management and Research
We produce policy briefs, toolkits, and research reports that centre African queer lived experiences contributing to the global knowledge base on LGBTQ+ rights in Africa.
Our Impact
Numbers that tell a movement story
Building queer African power
since 2016 – learning, growing, and
pushing forward.
for crisis and emergency response support to activists and organizations
Youth equipped with advocacy skills and movement-building tools across the continent.
A growing pan-African network spanning East, West, Southern, and Central Africa.
Local, regional, and international partners amplifying our reach and impact.
Powered by AQYI
Find Your Next
Opportunity+
Discover jobs, research opportunities, fellowships, and social impact opportunities from across Africa’s human rights ecosystem—all in one place
Take Action
Our Movement Needs You
Whether you’re a young activist, a funding body, or an ally. There is a place for you in the AQYI community.
Support our work
Your financial contribution directly funds youth fellowships, safe spaces, campaigns, and health access programs.
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Your financial contribution directly funds youth fellowships, safe spaces, campaigns, and health access programs.
