Empowering Africa’s Youth: YAPPI Celebrates International Youth Day 2025
The Youth in Animation & Post-Production Initiative (YAPPI), a collaborative effort between Del-York Creative Academy and the Mastercard Foundation, commemorated International Youth Day with an inspiring event themed “Creativity Unleashed: Youth, AI & The Future of Work.” Hosted at Pop Landmark in Lagos, the gathering united emerging creatives, industry experts, and tech innovators to discuss how Africa’s young talents can drive growth in the digital economy through inventive technologies and artistic expression.
Fostering Dialogue Between Young Creators and Industry Leaders
“Bringing together the next generation of creative minds alongside seasoned professionals is vital now more than ever,” stated Stella Fubara, Managing Director of Del-York Development Company. “This event is dedicated to the youth-the architects of today and tomorrow. It celebrates your abilities and highlights how merging creativity with AI can open unprecedented doors.”
Insightful Panel Discussions on AI and Creative Careers
The event featured two dynamic panel sessions moderated by international producer and TV director Vidal Juba. Esteemed panelists included Oluwakemi Odusanya, a Disability Rights Advocate and World Bank Ambassador; Esther Kemi Gbadamosi, Founder of Radioxity Media; Bekeme Masade-Olowola, CEO of CSR-in-Action Group; and Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa at Meta.
The first discussion delved into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on animation, post-production, and content creation. Experts emphasized AI’s role in optimizing production workflows, enhancing audience engagement analytics, and broadening creative horizons. For instance, AI-driven tools now enable animators to reduce rendering times by up to 40%, accelerating project delivery without compromising quality.
The second panel, titled “Girls Who Create: From Zero Experience to Earning Shmoney,” resonated strongly with attendees. It offered actionable advice for young women aspiring to thrive in creative industries, covering topics such as building a personal brand, securing mentorship, navigating funding avenues, and tapping into international markets. This session underscored the growing presence of women in Africa’s creative tech space, where female-led startups have increased by 25% in the past two years.
Hands-On Innovation: Live Animation Hackathon and Fusion Labs
A standout moment was the live animation hackathon, where YAPPI participants collaborated in real time to craft original animated content. This event mirrored the ongoing YAPPI Creative Fusion Lab initiative, which bridges theoretical learning with practical industry challenges on a monthly basis.
Projects initiated during these labs extend beyond the event itself, with participants receiving ongoing mentorship, access to cutting-edge tools, and opportunities to build professional portfolios. Many projects are subsequently commissioned by industry partners, providing direct pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.
Ongoing Commitment to Skill Development and Inclusion
Marking its second year celebrating International Youth Day, YAPPI remains dedicated to delivering free, top-tier training in animation and post-production to young Africans. The program equips participants with essential technical skills, industry insights, and the confidence needed to excel in the evolving job market shaped by digital innovation.
Currently, registration is open for YAPPI Cohort 3, inviting young women across Nigeria to enroll in complimentary courses covering a broad spectrum of topics such as video editing, colour grading, and visual effects. Trainees will engage in real-world projects, benefit from community mentorship, and explore diverse career pathways within the creative economy.
Interested individuals can register here. Stay connected with YAPPI’s latest updates and opportunities by following their social media channels on Instagram, Facebook (IAmYAPPI), and LinkedIn (YAPPI Nigeria).
By integrating creativity, inclusivity, and forward-thinking conversations, YAPPI is effectively closing the skills gap and empowering African youth to become influential contributors in the global digital landscape.
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