Young and Gifted Youths Development Initiative (YAGYDI)

Young and Gifted Youth Development Initiative (YaGYDi) is a UK-based, African-led nonprofit committed to advancing, cultivating essential life, developing, and promoting 21st-century skills among young individuals aged 15 to 40 through the UN Sustainable Development Goals—especially SDGs 3, 4, 5, 8, 16, and 17.

Formerly known as Young and Gifted International, we’ve spent over 20 years working at the grassroots to help young people discover purpose, access opportunities, and lead sustainable change in their communities.

With strong operational roots in Nigeria and a growing presence across the African diaspora, YaGYDi is building a generation of locally grounded, globally relevant youth leaders.

Why We Exist

Across Africa, millions of young people are talented, driven, and ready to build solutions, but they lack access to enabling structures, career guidance, leadership exposure, and meaningful global opportunities. In an age of digital revolution, climate change, rising unemployment, and civic disengagement, the continent’s youth need more than motivation; they need platforms that equip and connect.

At YAGYDI, we bridge this gap through actionable programs that prioritize:

Mentorship

SDG Research and Development

Campaign and Community Advocacy

Education for Sustainable Employability and Career Development

Global Citizenship Education

Global Leadership