The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) East and Southern Africa Regional Office has appointed Botlhale Boikanyo as its new Regional International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Youth Champion, marking a significant step in strengthening youth representation and advocacy across the region.
Announced in August 2026, the appointment recognises Boikanyo’s longstanding commitment to youth empowerment, education and social change through storytelling. As Regional ICPD Youth Champion, she will work alongside UNFPA to elevate the voices of young people and advocate for accelerated action on the commitments outlined in the ICPD Programme of Action.
A journey built on purpose and powerful storytelling
Botlhale Boikanyo first captured the nation’s attention when she became the first poet and youngest winner of South Africa’s Got Talent at just 11 years old. Since then, she has built an inspiring career as an award-winning poet, actress, speaker and youth advocate, using her platform to champion the issues that matter most to young people.
As founder of the Botlhale Boikanyo Foundation, she has dedicated her work to promoting education, self-expression and leadership while encouraging young Africans to use their voices to help shape policies and solutions that impact their lives and futures.
Her appointment reflects UNFPA’s belief that young people are not simply future leaders—they are leaders today whose ideas, innovation and lived experiences are essential to sustainable development.
Championing youth rights across the region
In her new role, Boikanyo will support UNFPA’s efforts to advance several key priorities across East and Southern Africa.
These include promoting:
- Bodily autonomy
- Gender equality
- Access to quality sexual and reproductive health services
- Meaningful youth participation in decision-making processes
Working alongside young people, policymakers, civil society organisations and development partners, she will advocate for greater investment in policies and programmes that protect the rights, dignity and potential of every young person.
A vision for every young person
Speaking on her appointment, Boikanyo shared her hopes for the future.
“My hope and dream is to live in a world where every young person, especially women and girls, has the freedom and opportunities to shape their own future and is included in the rooms where decisions about their lives are made. Being a UNFPA Champion is another step towards turning that vision into reality. It is an opportunity to amplify the voices of young people through storytelling across our region, and advocate for investments that uphold the rights, dignity, well-being and potential of every young person everywhere.”
Her message reflects a belief that storytelling has the power to influence change and ensure that young people are not only heard but are meaningfully included in shaping the decisions that affect their lives.
A defining moment for Africa’s youth
The appointment comes at a time when Africa’s young population is playing an increasingly influential role in driving social and economic transformation.
Young people across the continent continue to lead initiatives within their communities, yet many still face barriers to education, healthcare, employment and meaningful participation in public decision-making.
UNFPA believes addressing these challenges requires placing young people at the centre of sustainable development efforts.
Through her new role, Boikanyo will use her platform to inspire dialogue, strengthen youth participation and encourage investments that create greater opportunities for young people throughout East and Southern Africa.
Her appointment signals a shared commitment between UNFPA and one of South Africa’s most influential young voices to ensure that the next generation is empowered not only to imagine a better future—but to actively help shape it.
