Jan. 5, 2024

In a continent brimming with untapped potentials, the Future Africa Leaders Awards (FALA) has continued to shine a spotlight on the bold visionaries shaping Africa’s tomorrow.

These exceptional young Africans, nurtured through the rigorous programmes of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, (FALF) are not just participants, they are transformers.

From innovative entrepreneurs tackling climate challenge to social innovators bridging education gaps, youth empowerment, healthcare, technology, agriculture, politics etc., this year’s awardees embody resilience, ingenuity, and unyielding commitment to Africa’s renaissance, channelling ambition into action, innovation, and impact.

From East, West, North and Southern Africa, the FALA 2025 celebrates  trailblazers from across the continent, honouring those who prove that Africa’s brightest future lies in its teeming young population.

The FALA awards funded by Love World incorporated and open to all young Africans 25 years and below, has over the last 13 years celebrated and awarded over 120 winners collectively making significant strides from 33 countries across the continent.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Lagos to unveil the latest winners of the awards, Pastor T. T Temisan, a member of the Executive Council,  Love World Incorporated, said that since 2013, when the FALA awards was instituted, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Founder of FALF, he has remained committed to raising young leaders across African nations to help shape the future of the continent.

“With 1,210 entries (projects) received for consideration in 2025, 30 exceptional projects were nominated and 10 awarded by FALA, with a star prize winner emerging from Kenya.”

“Every year we have 10 winners who get $10,000 each with the star prize winner receiving $25,000 in recognition of the works they have done in their communities and the continent.

“Over $1.5 million has been expended on the awards as prize money for the finalists.”

“The purpose of the Foundation is to identify, mentor and expose young Africans all over the continent, to give them a solid platform to do more for the society.”

The Chief Operating Officer, Love World Incorporated and Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International (COFI), Arinze Emmanuels noted that the mission of its Founder goes beyond preaching and healing, but he is also passionate and committed to empowering African youths, amongst other programmes of the COFI, which supports and funds the FALF and FALA awards.

For the Senior Executive Officer (SEO), Future Africa Leaders Foundation (FALF), Dr. Olajumoke Ola-Akisanya
FALF is form in its belief that Africa is one of the most blessed continents on Earth.

“If we harness what God has placed here in Africa, we will not need handouts. We will become a blessing to the world. Today, these winners stand as proof. Where the need has been greatest, they chose action.

Where there was hopelessness, they created opportunity. Where there were challenges, they saw possibilities.

“In FALF, we believe that true leadership is anchored in values, accountability to the people, and guided by purpose. We encourage our youth to innovate boldly, advocate justly, and serve responsibly, building institutions that are strong, transparent, and compassionate.

“This is exactly what the Future Africa Leaders Foundation exists to support. We match belief with investment, potential with mentoring, and vision with opportunity so that African-led transformation can flourish.

“Africa’s hope will not be imported. It will be cultivated by young minds who dare to think differently, collaborate courageously, and lead with integrity.

“In FALF, we have a robust mentorship program and we have a continuous process of producing Leaders for Africa through the Leaders Initiative Network Africa platform.

Meet the winners:

REJOICE WAITHERA (Star Prize Winner)

Rejoice Waithera, a 23-year-old Kenyan visionary, agripreneur, and humanitarian, demonstrates her commitment to national development through innovative solutions in food security, waste management, and community health. Responding to the growing concerns about GMO maize, she produced SOCAMI flour. A nutritious blend of sorghum, cassava, and millet as a safe, sustainable alternative. Her advocacy with the Ministry of Agriculture led to the inclusion of indigenous crops on the Kenya Cereals and Produce Board platform, influencing policy discussions and benefiting over 20,000 consumers nationwide.

Driven by a passion for organic farming, Rejoice transformed an abandoned dump site in Kibera into a productive greenhouse, improving waste management and promoting organic food production. Through hands-on training programs, she has equipped over 10,000 students with organic farming skills, fostering youth empowerment and environmental stewardship.

To address chronic water scarcity and sanitation challenges, Rejoice constructed a borehole that now supplies clean water to 20,000 families, along with toilets and bathrooms that reduced open defecation, minimized waterborne diseases, and improved menstrual hygiene for women and girls.

Her plastic recycling project created jobs for more than 60 families, positively impacting over 50,000 community members, and was recognized as the “Waste Recycling Project of the Year.”

Her compassion extends to supporting children battling cancer, sponsoring the education of 31 students, and conducting uplifting outreach activities at Kenyatta Hospital.

Rejoice Waithera is restoring dignity, strengthening systems, and delivering practical solutions that are reshaping communities and advancing sustainable development in Africa.

NDAGIRE GRACE MARION

Ndagire Grace Marion, a 24-year-old from Uganda, is a transformative leader revolutionizing agriculture, health, education, nutrition, clean energy, and community wellbeing across her nation.

As Founder and Director of Wellness World Foundation, she has directly impacted over one million Ugandans, empowering farmers, youth, women, and schoolchildren through sustainable solutions and practical skills.

Grace’s four-acre rice farm in Butebo District employs 200 youths, produces rice for local markets, and supplies Nutritious Porridge Flour for malnourished children, benefiting over 100 infants at Mulago National Referral Hospital. She created the Kids Farm Club, training 300 children in organic farming and GMO-free practices, while her agricultural demonstrations and youth leadership programs have reached over 15,000 young people nationwide.

Her initiatives extend to clean water, energy, and disaster relief: she mobilized $10,000 to construct five boreholes serving 7,000 people, distributed 300 solar systems for schools and homes, and provided emergency relief to 230 women and children after the 2024 Kiteezi landslide. Grace also led medical outreaches serving 17,000 patients, organized blood drives collecting 3,000 units, and trained 500 girls on menstrual hygiene.

Through her work, Grace has strengthened rural livelihoods, promoted sustainable agriculture, expanded access to education, and restored dignity to vulnerable populations. Her leadership reflects innovation, compassion, and resilience, bridging humanitarian service with community development.

Ndagire Grace Marion exemplifies Africa’s next generation of changemakers. Her visionary leadership, tangible impact, and unwavering commitment to transforming lives make her a deserving young African changer maker.

NORMAN CHRISPIN

Norman Chrispin Phiri, 22, of Zambia is a visionary leader, youth advocate, and agricultural innovator transforming communities across Southern Africa. He founded the Alpha Global Youth Movement, uniting over 25,000 members across Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe to implement community projects addressing social, economic, and educational challenges.

Through a 40-acre farm, Norman provides training, seed support, and financing for smallholder farmers, benefiting over 10,000 people across 120 communities. His Ubuntu Gardens initiative strengthened household food security by equipping 500 widows with skills, resources, and community gardens, while securing land for 60 vulnerable women in Lusaka. He implemented vocational and entrepreneurial programs, training over 300 youths and 267 widows, enhancing economic independence and community resilience.

Norman’s youth programs have directly engaged 6,000 young people, with campaigns, workshops, and leadership training reaching 2,500 teenagers, 108 ambassadors, and 100 youth leaders across four countries. His advocacy initiatives, including skills centers and empowerment projects, have reached over 5,000 youths and 1,500 widows, improving health, education, and livelihood opportunities.

He has spearheaded regional youth conferences, training over 1,800 young leaders, fostering cross-border collaboration and innovation. His agricultural initiatives include greenhouse innovation workshops and environmentally friendly systems converting fruit and vegetable waste into household products, promoting sustainability and economic growth.

Norman Chrispin Phiri is also contesting Zambia’s 2026 parliamentary elections in Chingola, seeking to scale his transformative work through governance.

Norman exemplifies visionary leadership, resilience, and innovation, empowering youth, women, and communities while creating sustainable solutions for Southern Africa’s most pressing challenges.

ANNETTE EWUSI

Annette Ewusi, 25, of Cameroon is a visionary leader, transformative changemaker, and advocate for education, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. She has pioneered initiatives that directly improve lives across crisis-affected regions and beyond.

In 2025, Annette launched BirthGuard Cameroon, equipping 100,000 field agents to register children in conflict zones, reducing birth registration time by 50% and safeguarding identities. She co-invested in a $6,500 organic greenhouse, producing 1,100 high-value crops, combating food insecurity, creating youth employment, and fostering sustainable agricultural skills. Her Nourishing Africa Talk Show reached over 1,000,000 listeners, raising awareness on organic farming, GMO risks, and youth-led agritech solutions.

As Founder of The Change Initiative, Annette leads a youth-driven organization of 100 members. Her Student Leadership for Nation Building Training has reached 30,000 learners, providing 20,000 students with 10,000 leadership toolkits. She trained 45 school leaders through Principals and Administrators Connect Training and convened the inaugural FALF Youth Conference, establishing Leaders for Africa Clubs in 50 schools and a national Leadership and Skills-Based Curriculum.

Responding to education disruption, her Back-to-School Campaign supported 1,000 children from 500 families with supplies and scholarships, while her Accelerated Learning Program restored literacy for 300 children, including visually impaired learners. She has trained 500 youth in leadership, digital literacy, and financial management, certifying 50 as Leaders for Africa Ambassadors.

Her campaigns have reached 3,000 girls, trained 300 entrepreneurs, and awarded scholarships totaling $1,000. Internationally, she serves as Cameroon Ambassador for Youth Talks Switzerland and Theirworld, inspiring action and creating tangible transformation.

Annette Ewusi’s leadership, innovation, and resilience mark her as a powerful catalyst for change, igniting hope and opportunity for Cameroon’s next generation.

FRANCIS NYONG

25 years old Francis Nyong is an innovative young leader from Cross River State, Nigeria, transforming agriculture through technology to combat hunger, poverty, and food insecurity. Through his social enterprise, Agro-Ultra, he has improved the lives of over 550,000 people across Africa, Asia, and Europe in just four years, advancing organic food production and agro-economic growth. He trained farmers to manufacture their own pesticides, enabling the production and distribution of 100,000 kilos of pesticide that supported healthy harvests for over 374,000 people in Cross River State and beyond.

To expand access to agricultural knowledge globally, Francis built Agronopia, an Agri-tech web platform translated into 206 languages, providing Agri-education to more than 89,000 people in 33 countries. He also developed FarmTap, a mobile app connecting users to organic farms while helping farmers reach nearby customers efficiently.

Committed to youth empowerment, Francis published Agripreneurship for Food Security, equipping students with the practical tools to build sustainable agricultural enterprises. Through his Greenhouse Project in Calabar, he constructed greenhouses in secondary schools, empowering 2,500 students with hands-on training in organic farming and entrepreneurship, while enabling schools to generate revenue.

Innovating at the intersection of agriculture and health, Francis invented a Fluoride Monitor—a test strip linked to a mobile app—helping users detect fluoride levels and receive alerts. Through his Zero Fluoride Campaign with the Cross River State Ministry of Health, he trained and sensitised over 200 pregnant women, nurses, and medical professionals, while promoting awareness of safer food options.

Francis has organized 33 educational programs for 12,000 students, reached 200,000 listeners through radio advocacy, and built a network of 3,000 young innovators. His leadership has earned global recognition, including the YALI Award, the Leadership Initiative Award, and Millennium Fellowship honors — a testament to his vision for a healthier, food-secure world.

YVONNE TSUMBIRANI

From the hills of Mjeka Village in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, Yvonne Tsumbirani has risen from profound loss to become a voice of hope for thousands. Orphaned at a young age and facing interrupted schooling, she chose resilience over resignation. Her journey of hardship became a calling — to help others transform pain into purpose.

In 2022, she founded Rail of Hope, an initiative dedicated to equipping young people with mentorship, empowerment, and education. Through partnerships with FACT Zimbabwe, Rail of Hope has empowered more than 3,000 adolescent girls and young women with personal development, financial literacy, and sexual harassment awareness.

Yvonne’s leadership multiplies impact. As a master trainer, she prepared 40 mentors supporting programs that reached 80,000 girls, later training 70 additional mentors who helped impact over 140,000 girls across Manicaland. She also trained 80 guidance and counselling teachers, extending financial literacy to 120,000 students in 40 schools.

Her influence extends across Africa. Working with the African Young Leaders Foundation and She Is Girl Foundation Zambia, she moderated the International Day of Peace Conference (2024), engaging more than 10,000 youth. As co-founder of Lights Igniting the Young and Young-at-Heart (LITYY), she has reached another 10,000 young people through mentorship and digital empowerment. Her trainings now span seven African countries, strengthening confidence, leadership, and opportunity.

A gifted storyteller, Yvonne’s books — Walks of Life, A Rail of Hope, and To Mom and Dad — invite young readers to see healing as the first step to leadership. Her work has earned global recognition, including being named a Top 5 Global Honoree for JCI TOYP 2025.

Today, Yvonne Tsumbirani stands as a beacon of faith, courage, and transformative service — proof that when purpose rises from pain, communities are strengthened and generations are inspired.

OGBECHE ABRAHAM

Ogbeche Abraham Akor, 24, of Benue State, Nigeria, is a humanitarian, social entrepreneur, and transformative youth leader whose vision has delivered 120 community projects across three African countries, 15 Nigerian states, and 65 local government areas. As Founder of Catalyst for Change Initiative-Africa (CACI-Africa) and Executive Director of AD’OG-NG Global Limited, he has impacted millions across education, health, agriculture, empowerment, advocacy, and humanitarian service.

Abraham’s initiatives have transformed education, distributing 12,000 learning materials, renovating schools, awarding 75 scholarships, and reaching 4,500 pupils, reducing dropout rates by 30%. His medical interventions include 25 outreaches, reaching 18,000 beneficiaries, distributing 3,800 hygiene kits, and organizing 100 pints of voluntary blood donations.

Through empowerment and skills programs, he trained 2,300 youths, supported 1,800 inmates, and empowered 400 displaced women, distributing over $5,000 in grants and startup tools. His agricultural programs reached 1,800 market women and farmers, increasing crop yields by 45% within two planting seasons and creating jobs for youth in marginalized areas.

Abraham has strengthened civic engagement by mentoring 200 youths across five northeastern states and establishing governance accountability groups in 10 local councils. His radio sensitization programs reached 5 million listeners, raising awareness on youth inclusion, social responsibility, and public service.

With a network of 1,200 active volunteers across Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon, and more than 30 national and international awards, Ambassador Abraham exemplifies measurable, youth-driven transformation. His leadership combines vision, service, and impact, empowering communities while inspiring a generation of ethical, civic-minded African youth.

AMANPENE KOFI PRINCE

24 years old Amanpene Kofi Prince is redefining what it means to farm with purpose. A Ghanaian agric-preneur committed to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, he is the founder of Plero Blossom Farms and Nutrissentials Industries Limited — initiatives that strengthen food systems, empower rural communities, and inspire youth across Ghana. His efforts currently support more than 1,200 farmers, manage over 4,000 hectares of farming capacity, and have equipped 150 young people with practical agricultural and agribusiness skills.

Kofi’s flagship initiative, the Rice Farming and Value Chain Transformation Project, has transformed livelihoods across three regions. By promoting sustainable cultivation, providing technical support, and allocating an average of 10 hectares per farmer, he enabled 400 smallholder farmers to increase yields by 25 to 30 percent during the 2024–2025 farming season. Purchasing locally grown rice directly from farmers helped stabilize incomes and restore confidence in Ghana-grown rice. This work led to the development of PChris Special Premium Rice, promoted with the message “Grow What You Eat, and Eat What You Grow” celebrating indigenous quality and honoring mentorship from the leadership of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation.

Innovation is central to his mission. Kofi developed a solar powered, IoT enabled irrigation system improving water efficiency, and launched the Mape’ Organic Fertilizer Initiative, restoring soil health for 50 farmers while reducing dependence on chemical inputs.

Beyond fields and factories, his compassion drives impact: more than 2,500 farmers and rural families have accessed medical screenings and NHIS support, while over 3,000 youth have gained agribusiness knowledge through school and community programs. He has also introduced nutritious value-added products including a fortified baby food blend and Habismo Tea  strengthening nutrition and local markets.

Through visionary leadership and hands on innovation, Amanpeni Kofi Prince advances national priorities in food security, sustainable agriculture, and youth empowerment cultivating a future where communities thrive because farmers flourish.

ROSE CHARLES KUBA

Rose Charles Kuba, 23, of South Sudan is a humanitarian, technologist, and youth empowerment leader whose work transforms lives and communities. A student of Technology and Psychology at the University of Juba, and an orphan who overcame abuse and homelessness, she turned personal adversity into a mission to uplift displaced families, orphans, and vulnerable youth across South Sudan.

Through her Helping Hand Organisation, she launched the Zero Hunger Campaign, providing food to 50 families in Konyo Konyo IDP Camp and distributing sugar and soap to 150 families in Mangateen. Partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture, she supplied greenhouse equipment and seeds to refugees, while attracting international support from IDOP to advance women’s empowerment.

Committed to breaking cycles of illiteracy and vulnerability, Rose has empowered over 15,740 youth through seminars in schools, prisons, and orphanages. At Nyakuron Cultural Centre, she mobilized 3,000 students, led 2,611 to Christ, and distributed over 4,000 copies of Rhapsody of Realities. Her “No to Early Marriage” campaign educated 500 girls, alongside 100 scholarships for vulnerable students. Her gender-based violence advocacy on Echo TV reached 15 million viewers, supported by a $10,000 partnership for expanded youth programs.

Through the Quality Living Project, she transformed the life of a seven-year-old boy, Sebit, supporting his family and providing $1,000 to start a family business. She launched an IT program at Juba Juvenile Prison, training 300 incarcerated youth with $5,000 funding, and facilitated blood donations and healthcare support for families in urgent need. Her year-long empowerment broadcasts reached over 100,000 people, supported by $2,400 in partnerships.

Ambassador Rose Charles Kuba embodies resilience, faith, and visionary leadership, creating a South Sudan where every child, woman, and young person has access to hope, education, and opportunity.

JOSUÉ ELISÉE ELOM SENOU

Josué Elisée Elom Senou, a 25-year-old inspiring young visionary from the Republic of Benin, has rapidly emerged as a leading agent of change committed to fostering a resilient and self-reliant future for Africa. Driven by a profound sense of purpose, his work addresses environmental and nutritional challenges, promotes healthier lifestyles, and equips young people with tools to innovate and thrive.

Since April 2025, Josué has tackled critical health issues. Concerned about hypertension linked to excessive corn consumption, he launched “Farine Croissance+,” a corn-free flour for children and families, made from soy, millet, sorghum, and groundnuts. He supervised over 200 containers’ production and distributed them free to more than 200 families, including orphanages in Porto-Novo, teaching children about their potential to impact the world. Following the loss of his father to cancer and concerns over additives in processed meats, he produced natural, additive-free sausages using pigs from his farm, offering a healthier alternative.

Committed to youth education, Josué organized the “I’m a Success Conference,” impacting over 200 pupils from Tokpota and Ouando, and launched a Back-to-School campaign, distributing over 200 school kits and sponsoring ten disadvantaged students. In partnership with the Porto-Novo town hall, he trained more than 100 young people at the CAEB Center in leadership and life skills.

In environmental sanitation, he led the Clean Cities Project, mobilizing youth to clean the Calavi Market and Place de l’Unité, promoting hygiene and civic responsibility. He also supported vulnerable communities, including orphanages and the Centre for the Deaf in Adjarra.

ERNEST B. DAVID

At only twenty five, Ernest B. David is emerging as one of Liberia’s most dynamic young leaders — an educator, technology advocate, and humanitarian whose work is transforming communities through innovation and service.

As Co founder and Executive Director of Impact Liberia and the Impact Institute of Science and Technology (IIST), he champions initiatives that expand access to education, digital literacy, health awareness, and youth mentorship. Seeing that many young people lacked skills and opportunities, he launched free three month vocational trainings in soap making, catering, home economics, computer science, decorations, and tie dye — directly benefiting 600 participants across Montserrado, Margibi, and Nimba Counties.

Believing that youth voices must shape national progress, Ambassador David convened the Liberia Youth Summit, bringing together 1,000 young leaders from Liberia and Sierra Leone to share strategies for leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Through David’s Financial Aid Platform, he has supported 200 students, with 50 currently receiving assistance, helping families keep children in school. His Menstrual Hygiene Management program provided sanitary pads and education to 100 girls, ensuring dignity and uninterrupted learning.

Advancing digital empowerment, he launched the National Digital Summit, training 3,000 participants in smart technology, AI tools, graphic design, and online safety. His tuition free Kids In Tech program has equipped 250 children with coding and basic computer skills, while his five month adult computer program has trained 150 learners in essential digital tools. In partnership with the U.S. Embassy American Corner, his IT refresher workshop further empowered 200 participants.

Reporting by Theresa Igata