ComDev: Empowering African Youth through Inclusive Economic Dynamics
In the face of Africa's demographic dynamism, where over 50% of the population is young, with 55% in Tunisia, ComDev emphasizes the massive inclusion of this youth in economic dynamics. The organization supports numerous social and solidarity economy structures, such as social enterprises, associations, cooperatives, mutuals, and microfinance initiatives.
The "Youth Voices Lab" Project
One of its flagship projects is the "Youth Voices Lab", funded by the African Union and the European Union, which aims to promote the socio-economic inclusion of young men and women through adapted public policies. In this context, ComDev has developed "youth-friendly" standards, a set of standards aimed at better integrating young people into economic opportunities.
The Youth Friendly Standards Demo Day
In this context, a workshop entitled Youth Friendly Standards Demo Day was held on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 26, 2025, in Tunis. It was based on a theory of change: as public authorities, institutions, and businesses are sensitized to integrate the voice of young people into their decisions, society will naturally become more inclusive and participatory. This event aimed to officially launch the Youth-Friendly Standards, raise awareness among key stakeholders, facilitate their adoption, and establish a solid network of cooperation around this cause.
Bringing Together Key Stakeholders
The workshop brought together about thirty participants, including government representatives, NGOs, financial partners, young leaders, and media. Its methodology was based on interactive exchanges, presentations of the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab Power of the Collective project and associated partnerships, followed by question-and-answer sessions.
ComDev Africa's Ambitious Vision
Met on the sidelines of this event, Mamba Souaré, a Senegalese social entrepreneur, heads ComDev Africa, a key player in the social and solidarity economy present in Tunisia and several African countries. He details the organization's ambitious vision, which aims to strengthen inclusive economic ecosystems on several continents.
A Decade of Experience and Expansion
Created about ten years ago in Senegal, ComDev Africa expanded its activities in 2022 in Tunisia, taking advantage of a program supported by the French Institute for Research and Development, particularly in the field of agrosystems. This implantation shows, according to Mr. Souaré, strong potential but also challenges to be overcome in this strategic sector.
ComDev's Mission and Objectives
ComDev's mission is based on resolving social and environmental challenges through citizen engagement, technical and financial support for impact entrepreneurs, training, and transformation of local economic systems. The organization plans to create five regional hubs by 2034, in order to structure its action on an African scale. Senegal serves as a hub for West Africa, Tunisia for the Maghreb (including Algeria and Morocco), Nairobi for East Africa, Yaoundé for Central Africa, and a final hub is dedicated to mobilizing the African diaspora.
