Africa Governance
The Africa Scout Region supports the growth and development of the Scout Movement across Sub-Saharan Africa and is governed by the Africa Scout Conference. Its work is guided by a regional strategy developed every three years, known as the Triennial Plan. The Plan is prepared by the Africa Scout Committee with technical support from the World Scout Bureau Africa Support Centre.
The Triennial Plan is adopted by the Africa Scout Conference and provides a shared framework for advancing Scouting across the Region. It aims to build on progress already made while addressing key priorities related to systems, structures, processes and infrastructure at both national and regional levels.
Africa Scout Conference
As the governing body of the Africa Scout Region, the Africa Scout Conference sets the general policy and direction of the Region through resolutions.
The Conference is held every three years and elects the members of the Africa Scout Committee. Each member National Scout Organization may send up to six delegates to the Conference, as well as additional observers, subject to agreement with the organising committee.
Africa Scout Youth Forum
The Africa Scout Youth Forum is a learning platform that provides young people with opportunities to strengthen their participation in decision-making processes within Scouting. It is held alongside the Africa Scout Conference.
Africa Scout Committee
The Africa Scout Committee is the executive body of the Africa Scout Region. It comprises eight elected members and three ex-officio, non-voting members. Elected members serve a three-year term, until the next Africa Scout Conference, and a member may be re-elected once. All Committee members must come from different countries.
Youth Advisors
The Africa Scout Youth Forum elects six Youth Advisors to the Africa Scout Committee for a three-year term. Youth Advisors participate in Africa Scout Committee meetings and play a vital role in ensuring that the voices and perspectives of young people are reflected in decisions affecting Scouting in Africa. They also help in planning and organising the next Africa Scout Youth Forum, helping shape its priorities and conversations. At the time of election, Youth Advisors must be between 18 and 26 years old and must come from different countries.
Workstreams
The Africa Scout Committee structures the Triennial Plan into volunteer-led, staff-supported workstreams. These workstreams manage distinct strategic objectives to expand the movement. Eight workstreams were established for the 2025-2028 triennium to coordinate work in:
- Strategy Coordination
- Scouting Events
- Youth Leadership
- Education and Research
- Safeguarding
- Partnerships, Fundraising, and Advocacy
- Good Governance
- Risk management and Continuous improvement
Three Standing Committees operate alongside the workstreams: the Messengers of Peace Decision Committee, the Honours and Awards Subcommittee, and the Finance and Audit Subcommittee.
World Scout Bureau Africa Support Centre
Based on the philosophy of “One World, One Scout Movement”, and with a number of constitutionally defined functions, the Africa Support Centre acts as the secretariat of the World Organization of the Scout Movement on matters relating to the Africa region. It is headquartered Rowallan National Scout Camp in Nairobi, Kenya, under the leadership of the regional director.
Five zones
The Region is split into five sub-regions, known as zones: Eastern Africa Zone, Indian Ocean Zone, Southern Africa Zone, Central Africa Zone and West Africa Zone. Each zone is supported by a zonal desk officer at the World Scout Bureau - Africa Support Centre. They work in tandem with Africa Scout Committee liaison members.
Resources
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Africa Scout Regional Triennial Plan 2025-2028PDF download -
Constitution of the Africa Scout Region
PDF download -
Scouting in Africa Brochure
File download