Scouts from across Central Africa came together from 28 to 29 August 2026 for the 2nd Central Africa Scouts Conference, renewing their commitment to stronger Scout Organizations, youth leadership, peace and safer Scouting.
Under the theme “United to Relaunch Scouting in Central Africa", representatives from Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central Africa Republic, Gabon, Chad, and the Republic of the Congo gathered to reflect on the state of Scouting in the sub-region and identify practical ways to strengthen its future.
The conference created space for open conversations about some of the challenges affecting Scouting in Central Africa. Participants highlighted the need to strengthen governance and transparency, mobilise more resources, improve training for adults and young people, grow and retain membership, and communicate the impact of Scouting more effectively.
Keeping young people safe was also a key focus. A session on Safe From Harm reinforced the importance of creating safe, healthy and supportive environments for all young people and adults involved in Scouting. Participants also discussed how National Scout Organizations can strengthen their alignment with World Scouting standards, including annual reporting, membership responsibilities and safeguarding procedures.
Beyond identifying challenges, Scouts shared examples of how Scouting is already making a difference in communities. These included Peace Education, the Brazzaville Verte environmental initiative, the Food For Life project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo supporting self-reliance and employment, and the Djoumouna project in the Republic of the Congo, combining the rehabilitation of a Scout centre with agriculture and livestock activities. Participants also highlighted practical skills training and the Water for All initiative supporting access to safe drinking water. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how Scouting can equip young people with skills while contributing to peace, livelihoods, environmental action and sustainable community development.
Throughout the discussions, participants emphasised that the future of Scouting in Central Africa depends on meaningful intergenerational collaboration. Adults were encouraged to share their knowledge and experience while creating more space for young people to lead, build skills and take part in decision-making. The conference concluded with recommendations to strengthen leadership training, governance, resource mobilisation, institutional communication, entrepreneurship, Safe From Harm and peace education across the sub-region.
Participants also elected a new Central Africa Zonal Committee to support coordination and collaboration across the sub-region. Jean Stephane Bidima of Cameroon was elected Chair, Ilunga Wa Ilunga Gaudens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as Vice-Chair, and Bikoumou Mouzabakany of the Republic of the Congo as Secretary. The conference also constituted a General Secretariat, with Frédéric Mora of Chad named Secretary General and Lola née Oyontsio Dalia Palyga of the Republic of the Congo responsible for Programme.
The new leadership will help take forward the priorities identified during the conference and strengthen cooperation among Scout Organizations across Central Africa. With renewed leadership and a shared commitment to action, the conference marked an important step towards stronger Scout Organizations and greater opportunities for young people to shape the future of Scouting in Central Africa.