As the International Development Association (IDA)—the World Bank’s fund for low-income countries—enters its 21st cycle (IDA21), we stand at a pivotal moment for the 78 nations it supports. These countries are confronting overlapping global challenges, like climate shocks, conflict, and economic pressures, even as they hold enormous promise for growth through rising youth populations and local innovation.
IDA21, launched on July 1, 2025, is not just a new funding cycle—it is a renewed commitment to ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity on a livable planet. At the heart of this mission is a simple but powerful truth: Besides being beneficiaries of development, young people are also the architects of tomorrow’s world.
Why youth matter: The demographic dividend
In many IDA countries, young people make up more than half of the population. Their energy, creativity, and resilience are essential to shaping a dynamic, inclusive, and technologically advanced future.
By 2040, the youth population in IDA countries will exceed 700 million, up from 480 million today. In Africa and South Asia, the regions with the largest number of IDA countries, youth already make up about half of the population. This demographic shift presents both a challenge and an unprecedented opportunity. If empowered with the right skills, jobs, and digital tools, today’s youth can become the engine of economic transformation, climate resilience, and social change in the future.
Youth people’s voices also bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that drive progress toward a more livable world. Engaging youth empowers them to lead and ensures they are not left behind. As World Bank Group President Ajay Banga said at our Youth Summit earlier this year, "Your generation must be at the forefront of our efforts to reimagine the world as it ought to be."
Recognizing this, we are launching the IDA Youth Champions Circle, a global platform to amplify youth voices, foster innovation, and drive real-world impact. The IDA Youth Champions Circle will be a catalyst for engagement, providing a space for young people to co-create, advocate, and hold us accountable.
Introducing the IDA Youth Champions Circle
We have chosen a dynamic group of young leaders from diverse regions to form our first IDA Youth Champions Circle. These young people are passionate about shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future, with proven records in advocacy and community engagement and deep roots in the countries where IDA works. They are committed to advancing IDA21’s priorities.
Meet the inaugural IDA Youth Champions Circle:
Sellah Bogonko
Bogonko has experience across business, government, and civil society. She is the co-founder and CEO of Jacob’s Ladder Africa, a pan-African, youth-focused organization aiming to catalyze 30 million green jobs by 2033 through advocacy, entrepreneurship, and skills development. Bogonko also founded Zinduka, which is working to empower Kenyan youth in democracy and nation-building.
Hassana Maina
Maina is a lawyer, writer, and gender consultant advancing social justice in Northern Nigeria. She is the founder and executive director of the Anti-Sexual Violence Lead Support Initiative and has been recognized for her activism and leadership, including the Future Awards Africa Prize for Activism.
Chimwemwe John Paul Manyozo
Manyozo is a communications and development strategist committed to bridging research, policy, and community action across Africa and Europe. He leads youth engagement as part of the University of Oxford’s Africa Oxford Initiative. He founded Maphunziro265 and Youth to Youth Empowerment, which support thousands of young people in Malawi.
Cynthia Nafula Nyongesa
Nyongesa is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a youth education advocate. She founded Cynthia Untamed, a digital platform spotlighting youth and women leaders across Africa.
Ajay Yadav
Yadav is a youth leader from Nepal who is passionate about empowering young people through education, entrepreneurship, and inclusive development. He co-founded Youth Hive Nepal, which is working to advance entrepreneurial education and mindset development.
Youth-led development in action
The launch of the IDA Youth Champions Circle builds on our previous work in this area as IDA continues to double down on its commitment to youth. Across the globe, IDA-supported projects are already delivering results for young people. Here are some examples:
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Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project: With $150 million in IDA funding, this project created 125,000 direct jobs and 30,000 indirect jobs for young Kenyans. Over 145,000 youth participated in the initiative, with their employment rates rising from 70 percent to 85 percent.
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Enhancing Digital Government and Economy in Bangladesh: This project is training 100,000 Bangladeshi youth in digital and disruptive technologies. It has a focus on gender inclusion, with 30 percent of its trainees being young women.
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Sahel Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend: Through this project over 160,000 girls and adolescents have received scholarships and 3,400 safe spaces have been created for vulnerable and out-of-school girls.
We know youth are not just recipients of development, but they are also essential partners in shaping solutions to global challenges. IDA21 is investing in youth—unlocking their potential, amplifying their voices, and working with them to deliver results. The IDA Youth Champions Circle is bringing together young changemakers to help us imagine a better world and lead the way in driving change. Together, we can ensure the next generation is not just prepared for the future, but empowered to shape it too.
