OALY's policies are based on the belief in the universality and indivisibility of human rights. As liberals we strive for a free and tolerant society without any form of discrimination, with equal opportunities, respect for the individual and the minorities. These goals can only be reached through a democratic system of governance.
As liberals we are in favour of a market economy operating within the limits of a fair distribution of wealth and ecological sustainability. To reach the goal of equal opportunities distribution of wealth has to take place within the states as well as between them.
One year after the 157th executive meeting of Liberal International in Dakar, the 26 octobre 1996, all the liberal parties of Africa has been invited to meet by Me Abdoulaye Wade, General Secretary of the PDS (Liberal party in oppoisition in Senegal).
Under the umbrella of the Organisation of African Liberal Parties, this meeting has taken place in August 1997 in Dakar.
With the strong support of the Friedrich Naumann Fondation, all the youth wing of these political parties has decided to constitute t he Organization of African Liberal Youth (OALY).
OALY's highest body is the Congress, which meets every three year. It shall review OALY's minutes of the previous meeting, the annual reports of the members of the Executive Board, the resolutions . The congress also deliberate proposed policies, administrative protocols and constitutional amendments . Furthermore the Congress elects the Executive Board and decides upon the budget.
The OALY Executive Board consists of a t he President, the Secretary General, the Treasurer, the Vice President for west Africa, the Vice President for Southern Africa, the Vice President for North Africa, the Vice President for Central Africa, the Vice President for East Africa, the Internal auditor .
The Executive Board has the responsibility for OALY's day to day management and is elected every three years. The OALY Executive Board appoints an Executive Director who runs the OALY secretariat.
OALY may also grant an organisation observer status, which is a status for organisations OALY wants to be in regular contact with, but which for political or for other reasons cannot or want not become full members. From time to time OALY also invites guests to some of its activities, for example to the General Assemblies.
OALY's main goal is to promote and represent the interests of young liberals as well as the interests of youth on african level.
Therefore OALY encourages and facilitates contacts and exchange of ideas between its member organisations. The Federation is a means to increase the interest in and knowledge of international politics within the member organisations through running and offering seminars, delegations, study visits, training courses, a youth network and thematically networks.
OALY co-operates and form associations with the International Federation of Liberal and Radical Youth (IFLRY), Organisation of African Liberal Parties, Liberal International and any other body that Congress may decide will benefit the youth of Africa .