YALI East Africa | John Garang

About YALI

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) was launched by the United States government as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African leaders. The need to invest in grooming strong, results-oriented leaders comes out of the statistics: nearly 1 in 3 Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and approximately 60% of Africa's total population is below the age of 35.

Who will empower and lead these young Africans? Who will shape the future of business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management? In order to answer these questions, YALI promotes three models designed to identify and empower young leaders: the YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship, YALI Network, and the establishment of Regional Leadership Centers across Africa.

Regional Leadership Centers

The Regional Leadership Centers were created to increase impact by training more leaders. The centers are strategically located across the continent to maximize reach and cultural relevance, ensuring that leadership development is accessible to young Africans from diverse backgrounds and regions.

These centers serve as hubs for leadership development, providing intensive training programs, networking opportunities, and ongoing support for emerging leaders across Africa. Each center is designed to address the specific needs and challenges of its region while maintaining the high standards of the YALI program.

YALI Regional Leadership Centers

Across Africa

The Regional Leadership Centers are based in strategic locations across Africa, each serving as a beacon for leadership development in their respective regions.

Center Locations

Nairobi, Kenya

Serving East Africa with focus on entrepreneurship and innovation

Pretoria, South Africa

Covering Southern Africa with emphasis on public management

Accra, Ghana

Supporting West Africa with civic leadership programs

Dakar, Senegal

Serving Francophone Africa with tailored leadership development

YALI Program Focus Areas

Business & Entrepreneurship

Developing the next generation of African business leaders and entrepreneurs who will drive economic growth.

Civic Leadership

Training leaders who will strengthen democratic institutions and promote good governance across Africa.

Public Management

Preparing future public servants who will improve government effectiveness and service delivery.

YALI Network

Connecting young leaders across Africa through online platforms and regional activities.

Mandela Washington Fellowship

Flagship program bringing young African leaders to the United States for intensive leadership training.

Impact & Scale

Creating sustainable impact through comprehensive leadership development and ongoing support.

"Nearly 1 in 3 Africans are between the ages of 10 and 24, and approximately 60% of Africa's total population is below the age of 35."

As part of Cohort 60, I joined a distinguished group of young African leaders committed to driving positive change across the continent. The YALI experience provided invaluable leadership training, networking opportunities, and the tools necessary to make a meaningful impact in my community and beyond.