EAST AFRICA'S
NEXT LEADERS.
3RD ANNUAL EAST AFRICAN GUILD LEADERS' SUMMIT
The 3rd Annual East African Guild Leaders' Summit, convened by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy (GPLA), is the premier regional platform for student leadership, democratic governance, and integration dialogue in East Africa. Bringing together over 1,500 Guild Presidents, student leaders, policymakers, and heads of state from across the East African Community, this two-day Summit will be held at the historic Freedom Square, Makerere University — the birthplace of African student activism.
☛ THEME
"Youth Leadership, Production, and Regional Integration: Building a Competitive East Africa in a Changing Global Order"
☛ CHIEF GUEST
H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda and Chairperson of the East African Community, will deliver the keynote address on the future of East African integration and youth leadership.
☛ SUMMIT LEGACY & PATRONAGE
The Guild Leaders' Summit has grown into a defining Pan-African youth leadership movement. Previous editions were graced by:
2025: H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, Former President of the Republic of Kenya
2024: H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania — who subsequently accepted to serve as Patron of the Guild Leaders' Summit
The Academy is guided by Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, former Prime Minister of Uganda, as Patron of GPLA, and Hon. Canon Matthew Rukikaire as a key member of its Advisory Board. The growing GPLA network spans Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.
☛ WHY THIS MATTERS
East Africa stands at a critical juncture — shaped by shifting global geopolitics, the urgent need for regional self-reliance, and the imperative of economic transformation. With over 70% of the region's population under 30, the success of integration and production agendas depends on how effectively young leaders are mobilized, organized, and oriented toward innovation, enterprise, and regional thinking.
University Guild Presidents occupy a unique position as structured leaders with constituencies, legitimacy, and influence within institutions that shape future policymakers, entrepreneurs, and public servants. This Summit aligns youth leadership with the region's strategic priorities — integration, production, markets, and competitiveness.
☛ SUMMIT GOAL
To mobilize and equip East African student leaders to actively contribute to Regional Integration, Economic Transformation, and the strategic positioning of East Africa in a changing global order.
☛ SUMMIT STRUCTURE
Day One — Markets, Innovation and Youth Opportunity
Panel 1: Enhancing Trade through East African Integration — Challenges and Opportunities
Panel 2: AFCON 2027 as a Platform for Youth Economic Participation
Panel 3: University Leaders Dialogue — Education and Regional Mobility
Panel 4: Agri-tech Innovations for Youth-led Solutions in Regional Food Security and Climate Justice
Adoption of the Makerere Youth Declaration on Integration and Production
Day Two — Integration, Leadership, Oil and Gas and Strategic Direction
Opening Ceremony featuring heads of state and regional dignitaries
Chief Guest Address: The Future of East African Integration and Youth Leadership
Panel 1: Positioning Youth to Participate in Governance, Production and National Development
Panel 2: Energy as the Driver of the Future — Powering East Africa's Industrialization, Innovation, and Regional Competitiveness
Intergenerational Engagement with Policy Leaders
☛ FOCUS AREAS
Political and Economic Integration — Understanding the strategic importance of a united East Africa in strengthening markets, security, and global competitiveness.
Youth, Production and Industrial Transformation — Shifting youth focus from job-seeking to production, value addition, and enterprise development.
Regional Markets, Trade and Economic Opportunities — Positioning young people to participate in cross-border trade, regional value chains, and intra-African commerce.
Sports Diplomacy and Regional Integration (AFCON 2027) — Leveraging the joint EAC hosting of AFCON 2027 for youth employment, infrastructure development, and regional branding.
Technology, Innovation and the Digital Economy — Harnessing digital tools to enhance productivity, governance, and economic participation.
Education, Mobility and Knowledge Integration — Strengthening collaboration among universities to support skills development, research, and regional knowledge systems.
☛ EXPECTED OUTPUTS
1,500 youth reached and sensitized on topical governance issues across the region
Makerere Youth Declaration on East African Integration and Production
Youth Policy Proposals on Trade, Markets, and Economic Participation
Regional Student Leadership Network Strengthening through University Leadership Boot-camps
Summit Report and Policy Briefs
☛ EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Increased youth alignment with Regional Integration and Production Agendas
Enhanced participation of young people in Trade, Enterprise, and Regional Markets
Strengthened collaboration between Universities and Regional Institutions
Greater youth awareness of opportunities under regional initiatives such as AFCON 2027
Development of a generation of leaders committed to Self-reliance, Integration, and Economic Transformation
☛ WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Current and former Guild Presidents from universities across East Africa
Student leaders and student government officials
Youth policymakers, entrepreneurs, and innovators
Academics, researchers, and university administrators
Civil society and development partners working on youth and governance
✦ The Future of East Africa will not be Inherited. It will be Built. And the Builders are here. ✦
EAST AFRICA'S
NEXT LEADERS.