SECAM Hosts Continental Seminar for African Catholic Youth Leaders in Nairobi

The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) is holding a Seminar for African Regional Catholic Youth Leaders from October 23 to 27, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme “Youth Apostolate and the Vision of the Church in Africa.”

This gathering forms part of SECAM’s ongoing commitment to strengthen the structures of the Catholic Youth Apostolate across Africa. The seminar aims to empower youth executives from the various SECAM regions and build a credible, inclusive, and sustainable continental youth leadership structure in line with the Church’s vision and the Synod on Synodality’s call to listen attentively to the voices of Africa’s young people.

About 50 youth delegates representing SECAM’s regional bodies are expected to participate. Each region will be encouraged to nominate three delegates from different countries to ensure diversity and broad representation.

In his opening remarks, Rev. Fr. Alfred Bebodu, Administrative Secretary of SECAM, welcomed the participants and outlined the objectives of the seminar, emphasizing the Church’s commitment to strengthening youth structures across Africa.

The keynote address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Zéphirin Moubé, Deputy Secretary General of SECAM and Head of the Evangelisation Commission, on the topic “Youth Apostolate in the SECAM Vision 2025-2050.” Fr. Moubé underscored the importance of building a dynamic and mission-oriented youth apostolate that aligns with SECAM’s long-term vision and the Synod on Synodality’s call for greater listening and participation of young people in the life of the Church.

Foster Youth leadership

Participants will engage in group discussions on youth priorities for the next five years and attend presentations on key topics including: “Digital Evangelization for African Youth” presented by Rev. Fr. Andrew Kaufa, Director of Communications for the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA); “Biblical Apostolate for Youth” presented by Rev. Fr. Anselm Kamuyu, Director of the Catholic Biblical Centre for Africa and Madagascar (BICAM).

A highlight of the meeting will be the Plenary Session and Elections, aimed at establishing a Continental Youth Executive Structure, subject to final approval by SECAM’s Standing Committee in January 2026.

This initiative underscores SECAM’s dedication to foster Youth leadership rooted in faith, service, and synodal collaboration, ensuring that young Catholics play an active role in shaping the future of the Church in Africa.

SECAM Communication’s Office