JCI Africa and Middle East
Durban, South Africa
2025

I believe in discovering at least one new
place each year — not just to see the
world, but to grow with it. This year,
South Africa was that place.

AMEC 2025 Durban:
A Beautiful Conference with a Few Hard Truths
The Africa and Middle East Conference (AMEC) 2025, hosted by Junior Chamber
International (JCI) in Durban, South Africa, from May 21 to 24, was an inspiring and
memorable experience — one that balanced learning, connection, and culture in an
exceptionally well-organized setting.

Held under the theme “Cultivating Resilient and Innovative Leaders,” the event brought
together hundreds of youth leaders and changemakers to engage in training, strategic
collaboration, and cultural exchange. For many, this was not just a conference — it was a
space for transformation.

Well-Orchestrated, Well-Executed
From the first day, it was evident that the organizing team had done a fantastic job. The
logistics ran smoothly, the Durban ICC and surrounding venues were professional and
welcoming, and the program was remarkably punctual — a rarity in large-scale international
events. Sessions started and ended on time, transitions were handled efficiently, and
communication from the hosts was clear and consistent throughout.

While nearly everything went according to plan, only one keynote speech did not take place,
due to an unexpected last-minute cancellation. Fortunately, it had minimal impact on the
overall flow, and the rest of the agenda carried on without disruption.

Highlights in Learning: Innovation Through Play
AMEC 2025 featured dozens of impactful sessions, ranging from official JCI courses to panel
discussions on entrepreneurship, public speaking competitions, and strategy labs.

Among the standout moments was the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® training, facilitated by
Kola Osinowo, a certified LSP facilitator, entrepreneur, and leadership development expert
from Nigeria. Known for his dynamic style and experience in youth empowerment, Kola led
participants through a hands-on session that used LEGO bricks to unlock creative problemsolving
and team alignment.

What began as playful construction turned into deep, strategic thinking — helping teams
visualize challenges, ideate solutions, and connect through storytelling. It was one of the
most talked-about sessions of the entire conference and a powerful reminder that serious
insights can emerge from playful tools.

South African Night: Culture Beneath the Waves
The South African Night, held at the atmospheric uShaka Marine World Aquarium, was a
beautiful cultural celebration. Surrounded by the glow of underwater exhibits, delegates
enjoyed a night of live music, local cuisine, and traditional performances.

Although modest in scale compared to past cultural nights, the event was rich in spirit. A
group of female dancers performed a traditional South African dance, showcasing grace,
rhythm, and the storytelling nature of indigenous culture. It was a lovely cultural touch that
left a lasting impression.

Guests also enjoyed sampling dishes like bunny chow, boerewors, and various braai-style
meats — a delicious way to experience South Africa’s culinary roots.

Nations Night: A Bit Quieter Than Usual
One aspect that felt noticeably different this year was the Nations Night. Traditionally one of
the most vibrant and anticipated parts of any JCI regional conference, this year’s edition
featured fewer country stands and delegations than in previous years.

This reduction was unfortunate, especially for newer delegates looking to experience the
diversity of Africa and the Middle East. According to discussions among attendees, the low
turnout was largely attributed to visa difficulties, as South Africa currently requires visas for
many African countries. Several delegates from West and Central Africa reportedly faced
challenges obtaining visas or had their applications delayed — a harsh reminder of the
bureaucratic barriers that can limit pan-African collaboration.

Despite these challenges, those who did attend showed incredible energy, creativity, and
national pride, making the most of the occasion.

Final Thoughts
Despite a few setbacks, AMEC 2025 Durban delivered an impactful and high-quality
experience. The conference was exceptionally organized, the sessions were engaging, and the
host city provided a beautiful and inspiring setting for cross-cultural learning and
collaboration.

Durban, with its blend of modern infrastructure and deep cultural roots, served as more than
just a venue — it became a character in the AMEC story itself. From the ocean breeze at
uShaka Marine World to the warm welcome at every session, it was a place where leaders didn’t just
talk about resilience and innovation — they lived it.

And while the issue of visas reminds us that accessibility and inclusiveness must be part of our leadership conversations, the strength of the connections made and lessons learned at AMEC
2025 will surely ripple far beyond the beaches of KwaZulu-Natal.