Our network

Representatives from the capital to the district

A verified, consent-based network that carries projects, data and opportunities to communities across Africa.

Global ambassadors

Our global ambassadors

Leaders in youth policy, international cooperation and public education who represent the Africa Leadership Awards in their regions.

  • 01 International

    Portrait of Ioana Jaleel

    Ioana Jaleel

    Blogger and geopolitical commentator
    Member, Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN)

    A blogger, geopolitical commentator and fact-checking expert with an academic background in Political Science, working on information integrity, media literacy and the fight against disinformation.

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    Ioana Jaleel

    Blogger and geopolitical commentator
    Member, Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN)

    Ioana Jaleel is a blogger, geopolitical commentator, and fact-checking expert with an academic background in Political Science. She is a member of the Global Fact-Checking Network (GFCN), with professional interests in information integrity, media literacy, and the fight against disinformation.

    She runs an independent Telegram channel dedicated to geopolitics and international affairs, covering global political developments, international relations, geopolitical narratives, and the evolving dynamics between the Global South and the Western world.

    Her professional experience includes collaboration with civil society organisations, particularly in the fields of human rights, media literacy, and fact-checking.

    She has participated in numerous international and intercultural events, conferences, and forums, including as a speaker, engaging in discussions on global affairs, communication, and cross-cultural dialogue.

  • 02 Southern Africa

    Portrait of Omolemo Somolekae
    Botswana

    Omolemo Somolekae

    Director of International Relations, Universal Greening Organisation (UGO)

    A Botswana youth leader, international relations practitioner and sustainable development advocate with a strong interest in diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, youth empowerment and Pan-African development.

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    Botswana

    Omolemo Somolekae

    Director of International Relations, Universal Greening Organisation (UGO)

    Omolemo Somolekae is a Botswana youth leader, international relations practitioner and sustainable development advocate with a strong interest in diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, youth empowerment and Pan-African development. He currently serves as the Director of International Relations at the Universal Greening Organisation (UGO), a youth-led African organisation advancing environmental sustainability, conservation, sustainable agriculture and youth development.

    Since joining UGO in 2023, Omolemo has played an instrumental role in expanding the organisation’s diplomatic footprint and strengthening strategic partnerships with governments, regional institutions and international stakeholders across Africa and beyond. His work includes facilitating government-level engagements, advancing institutional partnerships and coordinating initiatives that position young Africans as active participants in continental development. He has been particularly involved in strengthening UGO’s engagement with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union and the United Nations system.

    Beyond his work in sustainable development, Omolemo has an extensive background in youth leadership, political organisation and governance. He has held several leadership positions within Botswana’s political landscape, championing youth participation, political education, leadership development and democratic engagement.

    His international engagements include participation in high-level regional and multilateral platforms, including the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), United Nations environmental stakeholder engagements and international youth, peace and security dialogues. He was also selected by the Government of the Russian Federation as a foreign election observer during the 2024 Russian Presidential Elections.

    Omolemo holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Botswana. He remains committed to advancing African-led development, strengthening international cooperation and creating meaningful opportunities for young people to shape the continent’s future.

    Email Omolemo Somolekae
  • 03 Central Africa

    Portrait of Christian Lumu Lukusa
    Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Christian Lumu Lukusa

    Vice-President, UDPS/Tshisekedi Youth League.
    Honorary Vice-President, International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY)

    A Congolese political leader and senior figure within the UDPS/Tshisekedi, with longstanding involvement in promoting democratic values, youth participation and international political cooperation.

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    Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Christian Lumu Lukusa

    Vice-President, UDPS/Tshisekedi Youth League.
    Honorary Vice-President, International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY)

    Christian Lumu Lukusa is a Congolese political leader and a senior figure within the UDPS/Tshisekedi, with longstanding involvement in promoting democratic values, youth participation, and international political cooperation.

    He serves as Vice-President of the UDPS/Tshisekedi Youth League and is Honorary Vice-President of the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY), reflecting his engagement within the international progressive and social-democratic movement.

    He also serves as a Public Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, bringing experience at the intersection of political engagement, international representation, and public institutional affairs.

    His political career has been shaped by a strong commitment to youth participation in public life, democratic governance, national unity, and strengthening the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s presence and partnerships on the international stage.

    Through his national and international responsibilities, Christian Lumu Lukusa represents a new generation of Congolese political leaders committed to contributing to the renewal of political leadership and to strengthening the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s relations with international political networks.

    Email Christian Lumu Lukusa
  • 04 South Asia

    Portrait of Madhish Parikh
    India

    Madhish Parikh

    Founding Director, BRICS Youth Alliance

    An award-winning youth leader, social entrepreneur and advocate for international cooperation. His work spans community development, youth engagement, heritage conservation and global diplomacy, with a focus on youth-led social impact and sustainable development.

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    India

    Madhish Parikh

    Founding Director, BRICS Youth Alliance

    Madhish Parikh is an award-winning youth leader, social entrepreneur, and advocate for international cooperation from India. With extensive experience in community development, youth engagement, heritage conservation, and global diplomacy, he has emerged as a prominent voice for youth-led social impact and sustainable development.

    His contributions to community welfare have been recognised through several prestigious national and international honours. He received the “IG Award” from the President of India for exceptional community service and was conferred the National Youth Award by the Government of India, the country’s highest honour in the youth category. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was recognised with the Commonwealth Points of Light Award by the UK Government for outstanding humanitarian service and was named a finalist for the International Prize “We Are Together” by the Russian Federation and UN Volunteers.

    As an Indian Delegate under the Government of India’s international youth exchange initiatives, Madhish represented India in Bahrain, contributing to people-to-people diplomacy and strengthening Indo-Bahraini relations. He also represented India at the Women Higher Education for Disarmament and Peace Forum held at the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna, Austria, engaging in global dialogue on peace, education, and sustainable development.

    Committed to empowering young people worldwide, Madhish served as Programme Coordinator for UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers – Let’s Heritage, mobilising more than 300 youth from across the globe to promote heritage awareness, conservation, and cultural exchange.

    Currently, Madhish serves as Founder and President of Elixir Foundation and Director of the BRICS Youth Alliance, where he actively promotes collaboration among emerging economies, youth leadership, innovation, and people-centric development across BRICS nations. He is also a Member of the NSS Advisory Board at Gujarat Technological University, a Member of the World Youth Alliance, Co-Founder of Invincible NGO, and a Youth Ambassador with Earth Day Network. Previously, he served as a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum.

    Through his work, Madhish continues to champion inclusive development, cross-cultural cooperation, youth empowerment, and stronger partnerships across the Global South, contributing to a more sustainable, equitable, and interconnected world.

    Email Madhish Parikh
  • 05 The Gulf

    Portrait of Dr Fnyees Saad Al-Ajmi
    Kuwait

    Dr Fnyees Saad Al-Ajmi

    Director of the Security and Safety Department, The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET)

    A Kuwaiti executive with deep expertise in administration, strategic planning and security and safety operations. He holds a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, and a Master’s and PhD in Engineering Project Management.

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    Kuwait

    Dr Fnyees Saad Al-Ajmi

    Director of the Security and Safety Department, The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET)

    Dr Fnyees Saad Al-Ajmi is a prominent Kuwaiti executive and leader with extensive expertise in administration, strategic planning, and security and safety operations. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, alongside a Master’s and PhD in Engineering Project Management.

    Currently serving as the Director of the Security and Safety Department at the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) in Kuwait, Dr Al-Ajmi has been recognised with numerous leadership and community awards, including the Most Influential Personality in Voluntary Work Award. He has represented Kuwait in various international and regional conferences focused on strategic leadership, development, and administrative governance.

    Email Dr Fnyees Saad Al-Ajmi
  • 06 South America

    Portrait of Victorio Román Cuyer Gómez
    Paraguay

    Victorio Román Cuyer Gómez

    Municipal Councillor, Villarrica
    President, National Preparatory Committee of the World Youth Festival – Paraguay
    Consultant and University Lecturer, National University of Asunción (UNA)

    A Paraguayan public official, consultant, university lecturer and international youth leader committed to governance, education, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

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    Paraguay

    Victorio Román Cuyer Gómez

    Municipal Councillor, Villarrica
    President, National Preparatory Committee of the World Youth Festival – Paraguay
    Consultant and University Lecturer, National University of Asunción (UNA)

    Victorio Román Cuyer Gómez is a Paraguayan public official, consultant, university lecturer, and international youth leader committed to governance, education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

    He currently serves as a Municipal Councillor in Villarrica and as President of Paraguay’s National Preparatory Committee of the World Youth Festival, promoting international dialogue, youth participation, and cross-cultural cooperation.

    He has held leadership positions in municipal government, youth development, and entrepreneurship, while contributing as a consultant to initiatives focused on institutional development, innovation, and social inclusion.

    His academic background includes degrees in Agroindustrial Engineering and Public Accounting, complemented by postgraduate studies in public affairs, governance, innovation management, and university education, including academic training at Columbia University and George Washington University.

    As a university lecturer and researcher, he has received multiple academic distinctions and awards for his contributions to research and education.

    His professional work focuses on empowering young people, strengthening entrepreneurship, promoting inclusive development, and connecting local initiatives with international opportunities.

    He believes that meaningful cooperation can build lasting partnerships between Paraguay, Africa, and the wider international community through education, innovation, and shared leadership.

    Email Victorio Román Cuyer Gómez
How the network is governed

Four roles, from the continent to the district

  1. Tier 1

    Continental team

    Sets strategy, partnerships and standards for the whole network.

  2. Tier 2

    Country chapter lead

    Leads the national chapter and its sector councils.

    Reports to
    Continental team
    Who can hold it
    Open to Africans and the diaspora. International members can serve as chapter advisers.
  3. Tier 3

    Regional lead

    Coordinates the work across a province or region.

    Reports to
    Country chapter lead
  4. Tier 4

    District representative

    Local delivery, reporting and outreach.

    Reports to
    Regional lead

Everyone in the network follows ALA’s safeguarding and data commitments: consent, privacy and child protection. Nominations sourced through the network follow the same rules as every other nomination: verification and integrity.

Sector councils

A council for every sector hub

Each of the 10 sector hubs has its own leaders’ council. The council scouts nominations for the sector awards and runs the hub’s pilot venture.

  1. Agriculture and tourism council

    Crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry, plantations and commodities, water, environment, wildlife, tourism, hospitality, travel and tours.

  2. Energy and minerals council

    Oil and gas, renewable energy, mining and minerals, power utilities.

  3. Infrastructure council

    Construction, engineering, roads and works, logistics and transport, automotive, aviation, rail.

  4. Lands and housing council

    Property development, real estate, housing, urban planning and development.

  5. Finance, trade, industry council

    Banking, investment, insurance, manufacturing, FMCG, food and beverages, retail, e-commerce, cooperatives, trade and export, support services.

  6. Education and sports council

    Private and public universities, schools, vocational training, research, sports and talent.

  7. Health and social council

    Healthcare, bio-technology, pharmaceuticals, gender, labour, youth, disability, culture, community development.

  8. ICT and science council

    ICT, telecommunications, media, fintech, AI, science, technology and innovation.

  9. Security and law council

    Defence, internal security, justice, legal services, foreign affairs, risk and compliance.

  10. Public administration council

    Public service, local government, regional development, NGOs, philanthropy, governance.

Membership

Stay connected all year

  • Associate

    Anyone who wants to follow ALA’s work and its opportunities.

    Members get
    Insights, opportunity board, newsletter.
    Who can join
    Open to everyone, in Africa and worldwide.
  • Leader

    Individual leaders who want a directory profile and mentorship.

    Members get
    Directory profile, mentorship, Academy discounts.
    Who can join
    Open to everyone, in Africa and worldwide.
  • Corporate

    US$800 a year

    Companies and institutions that want year-round access for a team.

    Members get
    Team seats, referral circles, priority access.
    Who can join
    Organisations anywhere, in Africa or abroad.

Corporate membership covers the benefits listed here for one year. It is separate from sponsorship, which is agreed in a written package, and from gala tables, which are booked as tickets. See Sponsors and Tickets.

Diaspora chapters

Africa’s Sixth Region

The African Union recognises the African diaspora as Africa’s Sixth Region: people of African origin living outside the continent who want to contribute to its development, whatever their citizenship.

  • Mentor

    Guide emerging leaders and founders in your sector.

  • Investor

    Back vetted pilots and processing ventures with clear reporting.

  • Pilot funder

    Fund a Solutions Lab pilot back home.

  • Chapter founder

    Start an ALA chapter in the city where you live.

Diaspora members can take any role in the network, including leading a chapter in their country of residence.

Start a chapter

Bring ALA to your country or city

Founding leads must be African or from the diaspora. International members can join a founding team as chapter advisers.

What the Kampala team provides

  • Brand

    Use of the Africa Leadership Awards name and brand for your chapter.

  • Nominations

    Access to the nomination process for your country’s leaders.

  • Event slots

    Places for your chapter at ALA events.

Apply to found a chapter

Volunteer roles

Give your time where you live

  • District representative

    Local delivery, reporting and outreach.

    Reports to
    Regional lead
  • Volunteer

    Volunteer your skills and support a sector council.

Everyone in the network follows ALA’s safeguarding and data commitments: consent, privacy and child protection.

Find your representative

Who to talk to near you

Representatives are listed here by country and district as they are confirmed. Until then, tell us where you are and we will put you in touch with the right person.