In a time when youth voices are critical to shaping inclusive governance and sustainable development, eight young leaders from across Africa are stepping up with passion, purpose, and powerful visions. Selected by the Youth Democracy Cohort to participate in the upcoming OGP Africa and Middle East Regional Meeting in Kenya, these changemakers embody a shared commitment to elevating youth inclusion and transforming their communities. Here’s a closer look at the inspiring advocates representing their nations:
🇿🇼 Mukuhwa Tanaka (Zimbabwe)
A powerful advocate at just 21, Mukuhwa Tanaka is redefining leadership by championing the rights of young people living with disabilities and HIV. A recipient of multiple international accolades, including an Honorary Doctorate from the University of London and WHO, Tanaka works tirelessly to eradicate harmful practices like child marriage and stigma. His dream? To build a world where every child and adolescent, regardless of ability or health status, thrives in safe and inclusive environments by 2030.
“Disability is not inability. My advocacy is rooted in showing that every young person deserves dignity, opportunity, and protection.”
🇹🇩 Hindina Pierre NATWA (Chad)
Founder and CEO of the nidoroualmewaafe.org Project, Hindina Pierre NATWA is a force for youth engagement and social cohesion in Chad. Through his leadership in local and regional youth coalitions, NATWA is creating inclusive platforms that foster peace, participation, and proactive citizenship among young people. His work focuses on amplifying youth voices in policy discussions and building local solutions to national challenges.
“I see youth not as beneficiaries, but as co-leaders in building democratic societies.”
🇸🇳 Ndèye Fatou Diery Diagne (Senegal)
As a journalist and fact-checker at Le Soleil, Senegal’s national daily, Ndèye Fatou uses the power of digital media to combat disinformation. Her innovative video series educates the public and strengthens critical thinking, especially among youth. With five years of experience in digital journalism, she is helping create a well-informed generation equipped to challenge misinformation and engage in governance with clarity.
“An informed youth is an empowered youth. Fact-checking is my way of protecting democracy.”
🇸🇳 René Edouard Mendis (Senegal)
A political scientist and social entrepreneur, René Mendis leads regional programmes at Social Change Factory and coordinates the African Youth Panel. From advising the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to mobilising citizen action across Africa, René’s work is rooted in inclusion, dignity, and collective intelligence. His mission is clear: equip youth with the tools and platforms to design a future where opportunity is shared.
“We gather energy, build bridges, and design sustainable solutions – together.”
🇱🇷 Samuel J. Kpartor (Liberia)
A 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow and National Program Manager at the Federation of Liberian Youth, Samuel Kpartor is a veteran in youth development. His work with the World Bank and the African Union in elections and policy design demonstrates a deep commitment to democratic integrity and youth empowerment. From the Youth Empowerment Zone to election observation, Samuel is building a Liberia where youth are leaders, not bystanders.
“Youth inclusion is not optional – it is the foundation of a just and democratic future.”
🇳🇬 Emmanuel Ugbele-Ojo Sani (Nigeria)
As a lawyer and Programmes Officer at PROMAD Foundation, Emmanuel Sani is committed to bridging civic knowledge gaps and championing social accountability. Through grassroots initiatives and international fellowships, he has equipped countless young Nigerians to engage in participatory budgeting and SDG implementation. Emmanuel’s advocacy is bold, strategic, and deeply rooted in empowering youth as civic innovators.
“Civic inclusion begins at the grassroots and so does transformation.”
🇳🇬 Ruth Adeosun (Nigeria)
Policy and Communications Officer at Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, Ruth Adeosun leads programmes that promote civic engagement, transparency, and inclusive governance. Through initiatives like YouthGovTracka and YvoteNaija, she creates pathways for youth to shape policies and hold institutions accountable. Her work inspires a generation of young Nigerians to believe in their power to influence change.
“Policy is not just for politicians, it’s a space for young people to drive impact.”
🇹🇿 Rehema Patricks (Malawi)
Founder of Section 30, Rehema is a fierce advocate for good governance, anti-corruption, and civic inclusion. She blends legal expertise with grassroots activism, equipping young leaders to challenge corruption and influence decision-making processes. Rehema has spoken on international stages, bringing African youth perspectives to the forefront of governance debates.
“Youth inclusion means ensuring that integrity, transparency, and justice begin with us.”
A Collective Aspiration
Together, these eight changemakers represent the dynamism, resilience, and innovation of Africa’s youth. As they head to Kenya, they bring with them a united vision: a continent where young people are not just heard, but trusted to lead. From journalism to governance, from legal advocacy to grassroots organising, their work demonstrates that youth inclusion is not a dream, it’s a movement in motion.
📸 Want to see the faces behind the stories? Check out their portraits here:
