Youth Empowerment
We foster youth leadership and participation by strengthening engagement, wellbeing, and entrepreneurial mindsets.
Championing youth for a green and fair future
We put young people at the heart of everything we do, equipping them with the tools and resources to drive change and unlock their full potential.
As an independent charity, founded by Anglo American, we’re dedicated to championing the next generation.
Unlocking young people’s potential
Today’s world is young. More than 80% of the world’s youth live in the Global South, where economies are rapidly changing – but opportunities are still out of reach for too many.
A job is just one part of the equation. True agency unlocks when young people have the tools to grow, the confidence to lead, and the power to shape what comes next. With economic opportunity, young people gain independence and stability. With voice and influence, they drive change.
When these pieces come together, young people don’t wait for the future – they build it.
The Global South holds the largest generation of young people in history. Their potential is the world’s greatest untapped asset. We are here to unlock it. Because when young people rise, we all do. It’s time to invest in them – and in our shared future.
Our approach A job is just one part of the equation. True agency unlocks when young people have the tools to grow, the confidence to lead, and the power to shape what comes next. With economic opportunity, young people gain independence and stability. With voice and influence, they drive change.
When these pieces come together, young people don’t wait for the future – they build it.
The Global South holds the largest generation of young people in history. Their potential is the world’s greatest untapped asset. We are here to unlock it. Because when young people rise, we all do. It’s time to invest in them – and in our shared future.
Our priorities
We believe young people hold the key to solving today’s challenges. Their bold ideas, boundless energy, and drive to create change are at the heart of everything we do. By focusing on the interconnected priorities – youth empowerment and economic opportunities – together, we are building a green and fair future.
Economic Opportunities
We create jobs and improve incomes by addressing market failures and opening paths to sustainable livelihoods.
How we work
Our approach is deeply collaborative. We listen, learn, and act alongside young leaders, local organisations, and global partners to break down barriers and create sustainable pathways for youth empowerment and economic opportunity.
We champion bold ideas, challenge outdated narratives, and tackle the market failures that hold young people back from shaping their own futures.
Find out more We champion bold ideas, challenge outdated narratives, and tackle the market failures that hold young people back from shaping their own futures.
Latest updates
Explore the latest collection of stories of innovation, collaboration, and impact from our community.
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Reflections from Y20
Youth leaders from around the world gathered at the Y20 Summit in South Africa to share ideas, build solutions, and shape recommendations for the G20, showing that young people are already leading change.
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Supporting mental health in Peru
The Anglo American Foundation is proud to support EMpower in launching this report, which maps the state of adolescent and youth mental health in Arequipa and Cusco, exposes deep service gaps, and offers a roadmap for systemic change grounded in young people’s voices.
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Salud mental adolescente y jovenen el sur del Perú: retos, brechas yoportunidades
El informe explora la crisis de salud mental en adolescentes y jóvenes de Arequipa y Cusco, destacando brechas en el acceso a servicios y proponiendo estrategias de prevención y apoyo comunitario. La alianza entre EMpower y Anglo American Foundation busca fortalecer la respuesta local y promover el bienestar juvenil.
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The Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Requires Shifting the Needle at Scale
Youth entrepreneurship is key to reducing unemployment, yet current efforts are not shifting the needle at scale. The Anglo American Foundation is redefining the conversation by championing overlooked ‘self-starter’ entrepreneurs in South Africa’s townships and building pathways to fair work through value chain support, finance models and national advocacy.
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Anglo American Foundation welcomes new Chair and Trustees to its Board
The Anglo American Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Price as Chair of the Board of Trustees, along with two new Trustees, Nompumelelo Zikalala and Andre van den Berg.
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South Africa Youth Day 2025
Today, we celebrate the power, passion and possibility of South Africa’s youth. At the Anglo American Foundation, we believe young people are not just the future. They are the changemakers of today.