The Forum is on the theme: “Is There Enough Youth Empowerment: The Gateway to Sustainable Economic Development?”
It will be held on September 22, 2025, at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), and 5,000 participants are expected to attend.

Mr Daniel Asomani, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the VODEC Africa, who made the call in a speech, said, “We envision a Ghana where our brightest talents do not leave to succeed.

“A nation where young people see a vibrant future right here – innovating here, creating jobs here, and driving our economy forward,” adding, “This is a mission we cannot achieve alone.

“We need the partnership of government, the private sector, and development agencies, and, critically the media, to make these stories visible to spotlight the innovations of our youth, and to shape the narrative of what Ghana can and will become.”

Mr Asomani noted that Ghanaian youth possessed the talent, resilience, and vision to lead and that when given the tools and the trust, they will exceed all expectations, adding “NELEF 2025 is the next chapter in this journey.”

He said the Forum’s goal was not just to fill a room with bright ideas, but to ensure every participant left with actionable steps, valuable connections, and the confidence to turn their vision into reality.

“The idea for NELEF is simple but powerful. When we work together, there is enough opportunity, enough resources, enough solutions to go around. But this is not just philosophy, it’s a practical strategy for development, growth, and peace,” he stated.

He said this year’s forum was designed to move beyond inspiration and toward concrete action.

“We are convening an outstanding roster of speakers from Ghana and beyond – leaders in business, technology, policy, and social innovation. The focus will be on practical strategies for implementation, collaboration, and driving real-world change.
It will address key areas for national development, including entrepreneurship, leadership and governance, climate change, and technology and digital transformation.

Mr Asomani said the VODEC Africa was founded eight years ago with singular powerful purpose to empower Ghana’s young people to step confidently into the 21st Century knowledge economy – not merely as job seekers, but as job creators, innovators, and leaders in their respective fields.

“In the years since, Ghana has seen commendable growth, and we are proud to have contributed by mobilizing hundreds of dedicated volunteers across the nation.

“We are supporting thousands of entrepreneurs in every region, launching hundreds of projects – both urban and rural – focussed on improving livelihoods, promoting sustainability, and strengthening community resilience,” he stated.
He said VODEC Africa’s initiative ranged from agricultural innovation in rural communities to digital startups in Accra, and social enterprises tackling critical issues from waste management to youth leadership development.

“Imagine, for a moment, a Ghana without the VODEC Africa Idea Challenge or the National Emerging Leaders’ Forum. This is not just a success story; it is powerful evidence that when young people are given the right tools, trust and connections, they do not just survive – they lead,” he noted.

Dr Lawrence Tetteh, an International Evangelist and the Board Chairman of VODEC Africa, who performed the launch, urged the youth to take advantage of the forum to learn new things to improve their lives.

Barimah Acheampong Sarpong II, the Chief of Sekyere Asaman in the Ashanti Region, the chairman for the occasion, called on the government, the private sector, churches, civil society organisations to join hands with NELEF to empower the youth.

He said, “Youth empowerment is not optional, it is the gateway to sustainable development, and therefore we need to come together to build a stronger future.”
He advised the youth to leverage the NELEF platform to help shape the national narrative on job creation while encouraging the media to amplify youth empowerment stories, influence policies through awareness creation and advocacy.