We interviewed 300 African youth climate activists. Here’s what we learned

Climate change is not just an existential crisis but a force multiplier: it compounds and deepens existing inequalities. Many of the world’s most marginalised groups are on the front lines of the climate crisis, experiencing its most immediate impacts with the least capacity to adapt or respond.

Perhaps nowhere are these effects felt more acutely than among African youth. Younger generations bear the least responsibility for causing this catastrophe, yet it threaten

s both their lives and livelihoods. Caught between global inaction and inadequate state-led local responses, youth in Africa are organising to take matters into their own hands.

Last year, I embarked with my colleagues at the Fund for Global Human Rights and the Legal Empowerment Fund on a new project to resource and sustain the innovative climate justice activism that African youth are leading across the continent. To better understand both the needs and visions of people on the ground, we interviewed more than 300 young activists from Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Uganda.

Their stories, ideas, and initiatives were as inspiring as they were illuminating. They shared how activists are organising, the challenges they face, and the opportunities that lie ahead to strengthen their work. Taken together, their accounts paint a picture of a movement that is not only alive and well but thriving, despite the systemic barriers and resource constraints that young people often face. For grantmakers, donors, and allies in the human rights and philanthropy space, these rich perspectives are invaluable.

Here are the lessons we learned from this process:

Organising for impact

For young people organising in response to the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change, community-based projects are a cornerstone of their work. These initiatives range from tree-planting campaigns and sustainable farming techniques to educational drives aimed at raising awareness about climate resilience and mobilising communities. These projects are more than just a response to the crisis – they highlight the leadership of young people within their communities.

Beyond grassroots activities, young climate advocates are also leveraging digital spaces for mobilisation and awareness. Social media platforms have become powerful tools to amplify their voices, connect with global movements, and push for policy changes. From launching online petitions to organising virtual climate strikes, digital advocacy has enabled activists to transcend geographical boundaries and build solidarity across nations.

Engagement with policymakers is another critical area. Activists are not just raising awareness; they are shaping narratives. They submit policy briefs, participate in consultations, and advocate for stronger climate policies. Despite limited resources, many have succeeded in getting their voices heard within spaces traditionally dominated by older and more established actors.

Across these different tools and tactics, intersectionality underpins much of their work. Recognising the interconnectedness of climate justice with other issues including gender equality, Indigenous rights, and economic justice, young leaders are forging alliances with movements that share their vision for equity and sustainability.

Challenges hindering progress

Despite these achievements, significant barriers persist. A lack of public awareness and community resistance often weakens efforts at the local level. In Uganda, one activist shared a particularly striking example of community resistance: ‘They said climate change is not real and is only being pushed by white imperialists who do not want us to use our oil,’ he recounted. This skepticism highlights the need for robust awareness campaigns to counter misinformation and build trust within communities. Without public buy-in, the success of much youth-led climate action remains precarious.

The youth climate justice movement also struggles with limited funding and capacity constraints. For many activists, especially those in Portuguese- and French-speaking countries, philanthropy remains a predominantly English-speaking practice, leaving them at an even bigger disadvantage. The language and bureaucratic hurdles of international funding processes further exacerbate these challenges. Smaller, grassroots organisations, many of whom are youth-led, are often deterred entirely from accessing resources.

The funding landscape itself presents obstacles. One study found that only 0.76 percent of grants from the largest climate foundations went to young people. Most youth-led organisations, we found, rely on self-funding or small, one-off grants below $5,000 that address immediate needs but fail to provide the consistent funding required for lasting solutions. The lack of long-term support undermines the sustainability of youth-led initiatives, leaving many projects unable to expand their impact or continue beyond the initial phases. This issue is compounded by donor skepticism about the capacity and accountability of youth-led organisations, often rooted in perceptions that young people lack the experience or capacity to manage large-scale projects effectively. As a result, donors frequently channel funding through adult-led organisations, sidelining youth-led groups and depriving them of the opportunity to develop their skills, demonstrate their capabilities, and build institutional trust.

Gender disparity is another critical issue. During our scoping, we noticed that the youth-led climate organisations we interacted with were more than 80 percent male. Clearly, systemic barriers continue to hinder the full participation of young women in this space. Their absence is not merely an oversight; it points to a failure to create inclusive spaces that recognise and uplift the contributions of young women. Cultural norms, patriarchal structures, and limited access to education and resources for leadership development further hinder young women’s participation. Without intentional efforts to break down these barriers, climate justice will remain incomplete, leaving out voices that are crucial for holistic and equitable solutions.

Lastly, young people often face challenges related to capacity and knowledge. While they are acutely aware of climate change because they experience its effects firsthand, many struggle to understand its technicalities and complexities. This knowledge gap can hinder their ability to articulate their ideas or engage meaningfully in broader discussions. One young activist from Liberia shared, ‘My understanding of climate change was limited, and I could not confidently talk about it with colleagues, as I thought it was just for those that were into sciences.’ This highlights a critical need for accessible, tailored education and training that demystifies climate science and equips young people with the confidence and expertise to lead and advocate effectively in this space.

Opportunities for growth and collaboration

The path forward lies in addressing these structural challenges while leveraging the immense potential within youth-led movements. Activists emphasised the need for equitable funding mechanisms that prioritise accessibility and transparency, and that meet young people where they are. Flexible application processes, capacity-building programs, and multi-year grants are essential for ensuring sustained impact. Simplifying bureaucratic requirements and creating opportunities for cross-border collaboration can further empower young leaders.

Participatory decision-making is another area ripe for development. Including youth activists in funding decisions and project planning processes will not only enhance accountability but also foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. Furthermore, expanding access to international forums and networks can amplify their voices on the global stage while encouraging knowledge-sharing and solidarity.

As young people continue to demonstrate their commitment to tackling the climate crisis, it is crucial for funders and policymakers to invest in their efforts. By removing barriers, fostering inclusivity, and supporting youth leadership, we can build a climate justice movement that is not only impactful but also equitable and sustainable.

Dorah Muhanuuzi is a consultant for the Children’s and Youth Rights Program at the Fund for Global Human Rights.