How young people can become active participants in shaping public policy and governance across Africa.
Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra, Ghana | 6–7 October 2025
Merton & Everett LLP was proud to serve as an official partner of the second Africa Women and Children Conference (AFRIWOCC 2025), held under the theme Young Voices, Innovative Ideas, Greater Impact for Africa.
The conference, chaired by Her Excellency Samira Bawumia, Founder and Chair of AFRIWOCC, brought together more than 800 in-person and virtual participants from government, diplomacy, international development, business, academia and civil society.
Empowering Young People to Shape Policy
As part of the conference, Merton & Everett facilitated a flagship Innovation Lab session titled Demystifying the Policy Process for Young People: Understanding the Who, the How and the What of Public Policy.
The session was led by Senior Partner Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Managing Partner Michelle Akuffo, Mawuli Dake of the Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership in Africa, and Associate Susanette Frances Kwarley Simpson.
Participants explored how young people can move beyond simply observing governance processes to actively influence policy decisions. Discussions examined how policies are developed, who shapes decisions and where young people and civil society can make meaningful contributions.
The session also introduced practical policy advocacy approaches, including identifying issues, setting objectives, mapping influential stakeholders, engaging decision-makers and developing evidence-based advocacy strategies.
Turning Dialogue into Action
The Innovation Lab highlighted the importance of structured youth capacity-building programmes, stronger support for youth-led advocacy coalitions and closer collaboration between government, civil society and young people in developing policies that reflect community realities.
Investing in Africa’s Next Generation of Policy Leaders
Merton & Everett LLP’s participation in AFRIWOCC 2025 reflects its commitment to strengthening inclusive governance, supporting youth participation and contributing legal and policy expertise to sustainable development across Africa.
By investing in young people’s understanding of policymaking and advocacy, the firm continues to support the development of informed voices capable of shaping Africa’s policy future.
