Africa needs 1.2 million more Community Health Workers (CHWs) to achieve a target population ratio of 2 CHWs per 1,000 citizens. Geographically stretched and under-resourced CHW programmes leave volunteers lacking regular supervision, transport, and basic diagnostic tools. As a result, critical services such as disease surveillance, antenatal follow-up, and routine immunizations face manpower and material shortages.

Future Africa Forum’s latest report, Hope on the Horizon: A Case for Youth Community Health Workers in Africa presents a bold vision: integrating Youth Community Health Workers (YCHWs) into national healthcare systems to bridge urgent workforce gaps and unlock youth potential.

Community health workers (CHWs) have long been the unsung heroes of public health, tirelessly reaching underserved areas where formal systems fall short. However, many of these dedicated individuals are older and often lack sufficient resources. Meanwhile, over 70 million young Africans remain out of work or training. This report makes a compelling case that engaging youth as CHWs offers a win-win solution: rejuvenating healthcare delivery while equipping young people with skills, dignity, and purpose.

The report draws on interviews, field data, and real-world case studies from across the continent to outline a practical model for youth integration. It advocates for structured recruitment, accredited training, fair pay, and clear career paths grounded in technology.

The message is clear: Africa’s health resilience and economic future are linked to its youth. By investing in youth-led health initiatives today, health sector actors can build healthier communities and a generation ready to lead tomorrow. Policymakers can embed Youth Community Health Workers (YCHWs) into national health strategies, with clear frameworks for recruitment, training, and career progression. By investing in scalable, youth-centered health initiatives, funders can uniquely drive sustainable, locally-led impact. These investments not only build long-term health system resilience but also create dignified employment opportunities for young people. Health implementers should collaborate with local communities and health ministries to co-design models that reflect the realities and aspirations of young people.

By working together, we can empower Africa’s youth to become dynamic agents of change—redefining healthcare delivery, expanding access, and shaping a healthier, more inclusive future for the continent. The Future Africa Forum and Consulting entities are bringing together cross-sector stakeholders to co-design and pilot youth-centric CHW frameworks, laying a strong foundation to scale and sustain Youth CHW initiatives that deliver lasting, locally-led impact.

Read the full report to learn more about new models for addressing youth unemployment and strengthening Africa’s public health workforce, and to explore how you can partner with Future Africa Forum to navigate this new landscape.

This report was published in April 2025 by Future Africa Forum