Our network
Representatives from the capital to the district
A verified, consent-based network that carries projects, data and opportunities to communities across Africa.
Our global ambassadors
Leaders in youth policy, international cooperation and public education who represent the Africa Leadership Awards in their regions.
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01 International
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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02 Southern Africa
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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03 Central Africa
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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04 South Asia
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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05 The Gulf
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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06 South America
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.
Four roles, from the continent to the district
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Tier 1
Continental team
Sets strategy, partnerships and standards for the whole network.
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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.
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Tier 3
Regional lead
Coordinates the work across a province or region.
- Reports to
- Country chapter lead
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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.
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.
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Agriculture and tourism council
Crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry, plantations and commodities, water, environment, wildlife, tourism, hospitality, travel and tours.
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Energy and minerals council
Oil and gas, renewable energy, mining and minerals, power utilities.
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Infrastructure council
Construction, engineering, roads and works, logistics and transport, automotive, aviation, rail.
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Lands and housing council
Property development, real estate, housing, urban planning and development.
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Finance, trade, industry council
Banking, investment, insurance, manufacturing, FMCG, food and beverages, retail, e-commerce, cooperatives, trade and export, support services.
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Education and sports council
Private and public universities, schools, vocational training, research, sports and talent.
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Health and social council
Healthcare, bio-technology, pharmaceuticals, gender, labour, youth, disability, culture, community development.
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ICT and science council
ICT, telecommunications, media, fintech, AI, science, technology and innovation.
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Security and law council
Defence, internal security, justice, legal services, foreign affairs, risk and compliance.
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Public administration council
Public service, local government, regional development, NGOs, philanthropy, governance.
Stay connected all year
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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.
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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.
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Corporate
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.
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.
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
Give your time where you live
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District representative
Local delivery, reporting and outreach.
- Reports to
- Regional lead
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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.
Whoever you are, there is a place for you
- Youth and studentsAcademy courses, mentors, challenge teams, jobs board.
- Entrepreneurs and SMEsDeal room, investor connect, business clinics.
- Farmers and producersProcessing, better markets, value-addition partners.
- InvestorsVetted pilots and processing ventures with clear reporting.
- DiasporaInvest, mentor or fund a pilot back home.
- Professionals and expertsVolunteer your skills and join sector councils.
- Governments, NGOs, institutionsCo-run challenges and policy dialogue.
- Sponsors and corporatesSponsor a problem or own a sector hub.
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.