Africa remains on course for socio-economic transformation, despite climate- and pandemic-related challenges.
Its fast-growing youth demographic are key to its future – and broader global prosperity.
The 2023 YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows showcase the continent's most promising trailblazers.
Despite dealing with a myriad of challenges, Africans remain optimistic and adaptable. The African continent has the world's youngest population, making its youth its most important resource. A people who believe in homegrown solutions and innovation tailored to a rapidly changing society. A population eager to see a paradigm shift that will result in true transformational change in leadership and governance, innovation and sustainability.
However, as the world continues to experience one long permacrisis, Africa has borne its fair share of the brunt. The Ukrainian conflict resulted in food shortages and rising prices across the continent. The east and Horn of Africa are experiencing their worst drought in 40 years, displacing millions.
But according to the UN World’s Population Prospects, Africa is the fastest growing continent, with its young people being the fastest growing demographic. As a result, the world cannot overlook the continent's role in shaping the size and distribution of the global population. Young Africans have the potential to be a driving force for collective prosperity worldwide.
This year, nine African leaders have been chosen as Aliko Dangote Fellows.
The 2023 Aliko Dangote Fellows are passionate about African issues; they range from young leaders reforming the healthcare sector to female firsts who are trailblazers in their own right, making strides in governance, the arts and entertainment.
Established in 2011, the partnership between the Forum of Young Global Leaders, the World Economic Forum the Aliko Dangote Foundation continues to play an essential role in developing Africa's next-generation leaders. For more than ten years, the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s support has helped grow and accelerate the impact of an annual class of Fellows and their efforts to bring lasting change to the continent and the world.
Media, arts and entertainment
Peace Hyde: Head Digital Media and Partnership and West Africa Correspondent, Forbes Africa, ABN Group, Ghana
Uche Pedro: Founder and Chief Executive Officer, BellaNaija, Nigeria
Tokini Peterside: Chief Executive Officer, ART X Collective, Nigeria
Technology and innovation
Abdigani Diriye: Co-Founder, Bloom Financial Technologies, Kenya
Oluseun Onigbinde: Founder and Global Director, BudgIT, Nigeria
Vukosi Marivate: Chair of Data Science, Associate Professor of Computer Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Healthcare
Gregory Rockson: Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, mPharma, Ghana
Governance
Aïssata Lam: Director General, Investment Promotion Agency, Mauritania
Walter Da Cruz Pacheco: Chief Executive Officer, Angolan Stock Exchange, Angola
