An international non-governmental organisation building the leadership, strategy and innovation capacity of African youth — for youth, by youth.
OLSD was established and registered in 2019 from a simple conviction: African youth do not need to be spoken for — they need platforms, skills and strategic support to lead. From our headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria, we work internationally across the economic and social field of business and industry.
Our e-learning platform and flagship programme give African youth access to multiple opportunity streams and enable the development of novel innovations — whether an app, website, game or something else entirely — that help address the long-term challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic. We organise our work under the banner of the United Nations and in partnership with distinguished global partners.
In the spirit of “for youth, by youth,” our organising committee includes distinguished young leaders, and we assemble partners, media and personalities to give youth-led solutions maximum visibility.
To open multiple streams of learning and opportunity to African youth, and to support innovations that address long-term post-pandemic development challenges.
A generation of confident, ethical and strategically skilled young African leaders shaping inclusive, sustainable development on the world stage.
Youth leadership, accountable governance, global partnership, evidence-based strategy and inclusive opportunity for every young person we serve.
Economic and Social — Business and Industry.
International, rooted in Africa and connected globally.
A network membership of youth and partner organisations.
ECOSOC Special Consultative Status, held since 2026.
OLSD is governed by a Board of Trustees that is independent of the organisation's operational roles. This separation safeguards our mission, ensures sound stewardship of resources, and keeps decision-making focused on long-term impact for young people.
OLSD was founded and registered as an international non-governmental organisation, headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria.
We submitted our application for consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
OLSD was granted Special Consultative Status, enabling us to contribute African youth perspectives to global multilateral processes.
Discover the programmes and partnerships that bring our mission to life.
