African youth are frequently excluded from meaningful engagement in continental policy and development initiatives, largely because communications are complex and not tailored to regional contexts; my work in the UNDP Ethiopia Agenda 2063 Communications Trainee Programme addressed this challenge. During my participation in the UNDP Ethiopia Agenda 2063 Communications Trainee Programme (2022), I focused on building my skills in translating complex policy and development content into accessible, youth-focused narratives. I supported the team by producing communications materials, assisting with digital content coordination, and helping document outputs in line with Agenda 2063 objectives. The programme exposed me to a range of stakeholders, including UNDP regional offices, youth networks, and partner NGOs, allowing me to gain insight into Africa-centered approaches to policy communications and youth engagement. This experience strengthened my understanding of how to design communications that are culturally and regionally relevant, and gave me practical skills in creating concise, clear messaging for policy-adjacent audiences.