Introducing the new class of YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows

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.

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

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

Gregory Rockson: Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, mPharma, Ghana

Aïssata Lam: Director General, Investment Promotion Agency, Mauritania

Walter Da Cruz Pacheco: Chief Executive Officer, Angolan Stock Exchange, Angola