Young Africa
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Our team
Our team is made up of 99% local experts who understand the unique needs and challenges of young people in their communities. With deep insights into each country’s dynamics, they bring invaluable expertise and dedication to our cause.
The Young Africa International team provides essential support and coordination across all our centres and training locations. Together, we are the Young Africa Federation: over 150 passionate professionals across six countries, united by a commitment to empower youth. Each team member has a unique contribution to the larger impact we strive to achieve, fostering lasting change and development for the next generation.
In every country we work in, a local team leads the work. We’re proud that 100% of our directors are women.
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History
Young Africa began with a simple but powerful vision: to empower youth with skills for life and livelihood. In 1998, Raj A. Joseph and Dorien Beurskens founded Young Africa. They started the organisation with a start-up capital of only $1,500 and a 3-member volunteer board, with Mathieu Beurskens as the founding chair. The first training centre in Zimbabwe was opened in 2001, laying the foundation for what would become a far-reaching mission across the continent. More skills centres in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Namibia followed.
In 2015, we started Young Africa International, with the founding office in The Netherlands, and the headquarters—the Hub—in Zimbabwe. YA International led the expansion into Botswana, Zambia, Angola, and Nigeria. It supports the country teams in sustaining, strengthening and expanding their operations.
In 2024, we transformed from a confederation into a federation—a structure that strengthens our unity while honouring each country’s particular context.
The organisation
Young Africa is a federation of independently registered local organisations. We share the name, the DNA, the mission, our values, and an affiliation agreement that binds us.
We have Young Africa affiliates in various African countries. They implement the programmes. Each affiliate is an independent legal entity with their own team and supervisory board.
Young Africa International is the founding organisation, with the task to safeguard the vision, uphold quality and expand our youth empowerment activities. Young Africa International has the headquarters in Harare, Zimbabwe, and the support office in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Managing Board
Young Africa International is managed by co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Dorien Beurskens, who, with the Head of Programmes, Mahara Goteka, and Head of Operations, Phillip Wannell, form the Managing Board. The Managing Board leads the team at the headquarters in Harare and the office in Amsterdam.
Supervisory Board
The composition of the non-salaried Supervisory Board of Young Africa International is shown below.
Frans van Midde
Chair; Internal Auditor at Cordaid. Member since January 2021.
Kees Cluistra
Chair of the Audit Committee; Financial Director at Van Gelder Groep. Member since January 2021.
Bas Beek
Chair of the Risk Committee; Cross Border Director at Edukans. Member since January 2021.
Hilke Tol
Chair of the Governance Committee; Independent Organisational Consultant/Interim Manager and Manager Expert Relations at Women on Wings. Member since January 2021.
Eduard Holtz
Member of the Risk Committee; Partnership Manager at Amref Flying Doctors. Member since January 2021.
Hubert Visser
Member of the Audit Committee; Partner at Forvis Mazars. Member since October 2021.
Dr Mary Muchena-Stredwick
Member of the Risk Committee; CEO of Folkestone Rainbow Centre in the UK. Member since December 2023.
Ouindinda Nikiema
Independent consultant and TVET expert. Member since May 2026.
Supervisory Board
The composition shown is current as of 31 December 2025, with the final appointment noted for May 2026.
Young Africa
Skills make the difference
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