If you are an African Youth and think you need to draw inspiration for your goals or life, then look no further, the motivation you need is right there staring at your face and around you. There are a lot of great young leaders in your continent breaking ground and doing great exploits. These leaders are more than motivation for you and are widely recognised for their impactful recognitions. Some of them are:
Temi Giwa-Tubosun (Nigeria): Temi Giwa-Tubosun, is the founder of LifeBank, a Nigerian healthcare technology company that connects blood banks with hospitals for urgent blood supplies. Her innovative platform uses technology to ensure timely delivery of blood and other medical products, saving countless lives across Nigeria and beyond. Giwa-Tubosun’s work has earned her numerous awards, including recognition as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People.
Sangu Delle (Ghana): Sangu Delle is a Ghanaian entrepreneur, author, and activist known for his work in promoting entrepreneurship and mental health awareness in Africa. He is the founder and CEO of Golden Palm Investments, a venture capital firm that supports early-stage startups across the continent. Delle is also a vocal advocate for mental health reform, challenging the stigma surrounding mental illness and advocating for improved access to mental healthcare services.
Juliana Rotich (Kenya): Juliana Rotich is a Kenyan technologist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Ushahidi, a pioneering crowd-mapping platform that enables citizens to report and monitor incidents in real time. Through Ushahidi, Rotich has played a pivotal role in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance across Africa. She is also a TED Fellow and a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.
Adebola Williams (Nigeria): Adebola Williams is a Nigerian entrepreneur, journalist, and co-founder of Red Media Africa, a leading media company that specializes in youth-focused content and communication strategies. Williams is known for his role in shaping the narratives of African youth and for his work in promoting social change through media and communication.
Ashish Thakkar (Uganda): Ashish Thakkar is a Ugandan-born entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the founder of the Mara Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in sectors ranging from technology to real estate. Thakkar’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 15 when he started his first business selling computers. Since then, he has become one of Africa’s most prominent business leaders, advocating for entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth and development on the continent.
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu (Ethiopia): Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu is an Ethiopian entrepreneur and the founder of soleRebels, a sustainable footwear company that creates employment opportunities for artisans in Ethiopia while promoting Ethiopian craftsmanship and culture globally. Alemu’s innovative business model has garnered international acclaim, earning her recognition as one of Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in Africa and a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.
Vanessa Nakate (Uganda): Vanessa Nakate is a Ugandan climate activist and founder of the Rise Up Movement, which advocates for climate justice and environmental sustainability in Africa. Nakate gained international attention for her activism, including her participation in the Fridays for Future movement and her efforts to highlight the disproportionate impact of climate change on African communities.
Nomzamo Mbatha (South Africa): Nomzamo Mbatha is a South African actress, activist, and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador who advocates for refugees and marginalized communities. Mbatha uses her platform to raise awareness about social issues such as gender equality, education, and youth empowerment, inspiring positive change across Africa.
Hamdi Ulukaya (Turkey): Hamdi Ulukaya is a Turkish-born entrepreneur and philanthropist best known as the founder of Chobani, one of the largest yogurt brands in the United States. Ulukaya, who grew up in Turkey, has become a prominent advocate for refugee rights and economic empowerment, particularly in Africa. Through his foundation, the Tent Partnership for Refugees, Ulukaya has invested in initiatives to support refugee entrepreneurs and promote economic inclusion in Africa.
Aya Mouallem (Egypt): Aya Mouallem is an Egyptian social entrepreneur and founder of Helm Egypt, a nonprofit organization that provides vocational training and employment opportunities for young people with disabilities. Mouallem’s work focuses on breaking down barriers to employment and promoting inclusion for people with disabilities in Egypt’s workforce, setting an example for other countries in the region.
These young leaders have achieved remarkable success in their respective fields and have become influential figures in their home countries and across Africa.
They are not only driving positive change in diverse fields, they are role models to other African youth. From climate activism to media and entrepreneurship, their impact is felt across Africa and beyond. Draw inspiration from them!
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