Registered in 2004, the African Regional Youth Initiative (ARYI) acts as an “organizing network” having over 500 youth and community-based organizations in Africa as members. In its capacity, ARYI brings people and groups together to develop joint projects, distributes relevant resources to members, provides financial grants, develops long-term relationships with local groups, and assists with fundraising and general development.

The organization also:

(a)    provides technical assistance to local and national organizations;

(b)   promotes multi-sectoral collaboration that goes across national boundaries;

(c)    Encourages communication and knowledge-sharing; and

(d)   Builds a mechanism for local community-based organizations to participate in national development processes.

The work of ARYI is based on action plans developed and implemented by over twenty ARYI teams based at national and sub-regional levels. These action plans address development issues and themes within the Millennium Development Goals. Programs developed by the teams have included a Poverty Reduction Strategy program targeting 20 countries; a Reproductive Health Policy program in 10 countries; HIV/AIDS projects in 16 countries; Development Analysis working in 5 countries; and the Panel on African Commissions currently in 8 countries. ARYI teams also work with country leaders of the African Women of Distinction project that is active in 17 countries.

ARYI was awarded an MTV Staying Alive Award in 2005 for its innovative and community-approach to HIV/AIDS programming. That same year, ARYI Founder Ms. Neema Mgana of Tanzania was selected to be one of 1000 women jointly nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

In 2008, ARYI joined forces with the Global Partnership Fund, an organization that bridges development actors with local communities around the world.