Abuja, Nigeria — The Papyrus Global has confirmed that Thecla A. Orakwe, Vice President of the African Union Youth Club (AUYC), will serve as a panelist at the 8th Papyrus Global Local Government Chairmen/Mayors Conference & Awards (PAGMACA) 2026, scheduled to take place from April 29 to May 1, 2026, in Abuja.
The high-level conference, which will be held at The Palms Hotel in the Central Business District, is expected to attract participants, speakers, and award recipients from more than 25 countries across Africa and beyond. The event continues to position itself as a major platform for dialogue on governance, development, and strategic collaboration across the continent.
Orakwe’s participation is expected to bring strong youth-focused perspectives to the discussions, particularly as she joins other prominent leaders and stakeholders to address key issues affecting local governance. She will contribute to conversations centered on “Youth Participation: Engaging the Next Generation in Local Governance and Policy Formulation,” a theme that underscores the growing importance of youth inclusion in decision-making processes.
As Vice President of the AUYC, Orakwe has been actively involved in youth advocacy and leadership development initiatives aligned with the African Union’s broader goals. Her role within the organization reflects a commitment to empowering young people and ensuring their voices are integrated into governance frameworks at both national and continental levels.
Organisers of the conference described her inclusion as a significant addition, emphasizing that youth engagement remains critical to achieving sustainable development and effective governance across Africa. They noted that her insights would contribute meaningfully to shaping policies and strategies that promote inclusivity at the grassroots level.
The participation of youth leaders like Orakwe is also seen as aligning with key development agendas, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which prioritises youth empowerment as a cornerstone for economic growth, peace, and long-term stability across the continent.
With over 40 mayors, local government chairmen, policymakers, and business executives expected to attend, PAGMACA 2026 is set to deliver impactful conversations that bridge policy and practice. The conference will also feature ministers, diplomats, and other high-level stakeholders, reinforcing its status as a leading gathering for advancing governance and development in Africa.
As anticipation builds, stakeholders say the inclusion of youth-focused voices like Orakwe’s signals a deliberate shift toward more inclusive governance models—one that recognises the vital role young people play in shaping Africa’s future.
