<p>The study aims to examine the spaces created for African youth participation and their challenges. It attempts to answer the main question: what are some of the available spaces created to ensure the effective engagement of young people and the challenges they encounter in sub-Saharan Africa? The global agenda of mainstreaming young people’s participation in decision-making and governance structures has gained momentum in most developed countries. The study utilized the conceptual framework of empowerment based on understanding the potential of young people to contribute meaningfully to governance and policy processes within the spaces created. Data was obtained from multiple sources namely: interviews, official documents and several secondary sources using a multi-sectoral and organizational approach- public and private sector organizations. Thematic analysis was used as major and sub-theme themes emerged from the data gathered. The literature review sought to highlight the youth’s plight within the discourse of youth engagement. The findings revealed the existence of some moderate spaces, with the private sector being more pragmatic in its efforts to widen the creation of spaces for young people. On the other hand, efforts undertaken by the Government of Ghana in creating spaces were limited in that it appears to be more of a tokenistic approach rather than actualizing the empowerment goal of the African Youth Charter. The findings further reveal that young people around the continent of Africa encounter several obstacles or challenges in their quest to participate in governance and policymaking. It further reveals the lack of effective spaces and structures to ensure effective youth engagement at both national and regional levels. It concludes that stakeholders of youth at both national and regional levels need to create spaces or structures that would ensure the voices of young people are heard.</p>