Sniff sniff! I smell change in the air.

In 2010, probably one of the most significant events in all of Africa will be taking place in Accra, Ghana. An event exclusively designed for the young change makers in Africa. Young visionaries who have seen Africa beyond what it has been called for decades now. Minds that have grasped an Africa that is not one in darkness but one of light and one in light. An Africa that is not yet here but one that is in the process of becoming; and not only that, but one which they themselves have decided to make a reality.

TEDxYouthInspire is an event of a special kind. Not only is it about this new Africa, and not only is it about the change makers, but it’s about the young people doing it. And that’s amazing to me. It’s amazing that all or most of the big tech success stories (and even non-tech successes like Virgin Atlantic) we hail – Microsoft, Apple, Google, Yahoo… – were started by young people. In fact, on average, these were all people under 25 years of age! This is what prompted me to blog this when I was turning 22. So it’s amazing that here’s an event that is seeking this generation in Africa and telling them, hey you are meant to do this so go out there and do it, and inspiring them on!

Here’s the official press release:

Inaugural TEDxYouthInspire to be held in Accra, Ghana in April 2010

Accra, Ghana, December 1, 2009 – On Saturday, April 10, 2010, from 8:00AM – 6PM GMT, the inaugural TEDxYouthInspire conference will be held at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT in Accra, Ghana. The one-day, free event will be the first TEDx event dedicated exclusively to young African visionaries ages 14-25.

Tasked with inspiring young people to make sustainable transformation, the conference will utilize the theme “A Good Head & A Good Heart”, from former South African President Nelson Mandela’s 1995 autobiography Long Walk to Freedom, to exhibit how radical thought and integrity of spirit combine to create unlimited possibilities for a brighter future.

“It is important that young people are aware of their power as local and global community leaders,” says Raquel Wilson, event curator, “TEDxYouthInspire will encourage participants to collaborate and embrace their shared passions for change.”

Space for TEDxYouthInspire is limited. Young people interested in attending should apply online at www.tedxyouthinspire.org/attend. Eligible applications must be received by Sunday, January 31, 2010 to be considered for admission.

Individual and corporate sponsorship packages are available. Additional information about TEDxYouthInspire can be found by visitingwww.tedxyouthinspire.org. You can also follow along on Twitter at www.twitter.com/tedxyouthinspir or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tedxyouthinspire.