The 2009 African Youth Championship is a football tournament for under 20 players.

It was held in Rwanda from 18 January until 1 February 2009.

It also served as qualification for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Congo, Nigeria, Zambia, Gambia, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Cameroon, Benin, Morocco, Tunisia, Mali, Ghana, Angola, Gabon, South Africa and Burkina Faso all received byes to the First Round.

The First Round first leg matches were held on the 27, 28 and 29 June 2008.