About YPTI

A US-based non-profit organization, founded by African youth diaspora in 2022 to foster peace and social development across Africa.

Who We Are

Built by African youth, for the future of Africa

Youth Peace Talks Initiative (YPTI) is a US-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting peace, stability, and social development in Africa. It was established in November 2022 in the state of Minnesota through insightful brainstorming sessions among African Youth Diaspora, who sought ways to foster peace in their respective countries of origin.

YPTI's mission is to create a just and peaceful Africa, and ultimately, a just and peaceful world.

We believe that education, artistic and cultural activities, and other initiatives can help build understanding and cooperation among young people and contribute to creating a more peaceful and just world. We are committed to working with partners and stakeholders to achieve our goals and make a positive impact on the lives of young people in Africa.

Youth studying peace-building and conflict resolution

Mission

To foster peace, understanding, and social development among the youth of Africa. We believe in the transformative power of youth to drive positive change and create a more peaceful and inclusive society.

Vision

A continent where peace and justice prevail — an Africa that serves as a model for the creation of a harmonious and equitable global society. African youth at the forefront of positive change.

What we work on

Our objectives

Six interlocking objectives shape every program we run.

Peace education

Programs in schools and community centers that teach the principles of peace, nonviolence, and effective conflict resolution.

Arts and culture

Music, dance, theater, and visual arts that bring together young people from diverse backgrounds and nurture mutual understanding.

Leadership development

Equipping young people with the skills and tools to take an active role in shaping their societies.

Advocacy

Influencing policies and practices that champion peace, stability, and social advancement for Africa's youth.

Community service

Collaborative youth-led projects that address specific challenges within their communities.

Pan-African dialogue

Connecting young Africans across borders, languages, and traditions through media, journalism, and shared storytelling.

Our People

Meet the team

Volunteers from around the world working to bring our vision to life.

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Gratien Asimbahwe

President YPTI · CEO LE JOURNAL.AFRICA
Minnesota, United States

Founder of YPTI and the driving force behind LE JOURNAL.AFRICA, working to amplify African youth voices.

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Bugondo Ntibonera

Vice-President YPTI
Minnesota, United States

Vice-President of YPTI supporting governance, partnerships, and program oversight.

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Prosper Aobe

Regional Director · LE JOURNAL.AFRICA
Bujumbura, Burundi

Leads regional operations and editorial direction across the Great Lakes region.

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Sarah Selemani

Volunteer CFO · LE JOURNAL.AFRICA
Bujumbura, Burundi

Volunteer Chief Financial Officer overseeing financial planning and reporting.

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Armel Derere

YPTI Ambassador to DRC
Kinshasa, DRC

Volunteer ambassador representing YPTI in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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Landry Korineza

Volunteer Content Director · LE JOURNAL.AFRICA
Toulouse, France

Leads content strategy and editorial standards for the diaspora audience.

Become part of the YPTI movement

Volunteer, partner, or support our programs.