In December 2022, we opened the doors again to young Africans to contribute to important discussions on leadership and sustainable development through Youth Leadership Competition. Our target remained: African citizens (including the diaspora) between the ages of 18 and 25. We asked them to respond to the following question:
If you were an African leader, how would you promote intra-Africa trade to unlock agricultural potential in Africa?
Over 1,150 entries were received, representing an enormous variety of solutions and ideas on how to facilitate agricultural intra-trade within Africa. The graphic below represents a snapshot of where contenders were situated.
The essays were judged on the basis of originality, creativity, use of language and appropriateness to contest theme.
Today, we are pleased to announce the top five winners of the contest:
- Overall winner: Faizah Atu Muhammad (Nigeria)
- First runner-up: Innocent Matekere (Tanzania)
- Second runner-up: Sithandweyinkosi Sivela (Zimbabwe)
- Third runner-up: Onwuka Dabeluchukwu Chiemelie (Nigeria)
- Fourth runner-up: Manda Nixon (Cameroon)
These young leaders will receive their prizes at an award ceremony during the African Leadership Forum (ALF), hosted by the former President of Tanzania, H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, and the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene, on 25 May 2023, in Accra, Ghana. The ceremony will be attended by political and business leaders from across Africa.
A grand prize of USD 2,000 will be awarded to the overall winner, and she will be asked to read her essay at the ceremony.
The winners will also have an opportunity to participate in the plenary session of the ALF, as well as showcase posters that visually describe their ideas in the exhibition space.
Lastly, but not nearly least, a big thanks to everyone who participated in the competition. Until next time.