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Samuel Mwami Kabungo is a young Zambian politician who gained recognition for being the youngest candidate to contest for a parliamentary seat in Zambia’s history. In 2020, at the age of 21, he participated in the Lukashya by-elections, making him a trailblazer for youth involvement in politics. His courage and determination have inspired many young people to get involved in the political process and work towards creating a better future for themselves and their communities. A champion of youth empowerment and political engagement! Samuel Mwami Kabungo’s bold move to contest for a parliamentary seat at just 21 years old has inspired many young Zambians and Africans to take an active role in shaping their country’s future. His courage and determination are a testament to the power of youth leadership and a reminder that age is not a barrier to making a positive impact. May his legacy continue to inspire and motivate others to get involved and make a difference!
Nasreen Mohamed, a teacher and trainer from Sudan. I have a deep passion for education and women empowerment. I believe that every individual deserves the chance to access quality education and equal opportunities. I am also a social activist concerned with women’s issues. I believe it is imperative to address the discrimination they face and find ways to ensure their full equality in all spheres of life. In addition to my work in education and social activism, I have a keen interest in the cultural and social heritage of communities. I believe it is important to preserve and understand our cultural heritage as it helps us understand who we are and where we are going.
Francis Thoya, Is a sociologist by professional, a Certified mediator, An Award winner of the 40 UNDER 40 2023 Business Daily under the Nation Media Group, a visionary entrepreneur, has defied convention by introducing a unique twist to the traditional cookie – using fish as a primary ingredient. This innovative leap has not only sparked curiosity but has ignited a new era of culinary possibilities. Thoya’s journey as an innovator began with a determination to carve a niche for himself in the competitive world of food production. Drawing inspiration from the coastal abundance of fish, Thoya’s ingenuity led him to experiment with incorporating this local delicacy into his cookie recipes. The result? A delectable fusion of flavors that has caught the attention of food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Amidst the allure of his novel creation, Thoya faces the arduous challenge of scaling his business to achieve stability and profitability creating a thousand of jobs to the young people. His relentless pursuit of success is a testament to his unwavering dedication and fervent belief in the potential of his product. Despite the obstacles, Frank Thoya perseveres, undeterred, driven by the fervent hope of taking his fish-based cookies to new heights. Thoya’s commitment and tenacity serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs across the county and beyond. His ambition reflects the spirit of innovation that is the hallmark of Kilifi, a region brimming with untapped potential. As a trailblazer in the baking industry, Thoya serves as beacon of creative prowess, demonstrating that with perseverance and a pioneering spirit, even the most unconventional ideas can flourish. Thoya has been fundraising for education and medication for the needy children in the community. Thoya has a dream and the dream is not so far long from reality; the dream of food secure and self-sustainable in Africa.
Isatou indirect victim of enforced disappearances, having lost both her father and aunt, who were disappeared and later found to have been killed in 2005 under the directives of former dictator Yahya Jammeh. Despite experiencing significant trauma as a child, Isatou is one of the co-founders the Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations. This organization has been instrumental in championing the transitional justice process in The Gambia. Using her voice and personal experiences as the niece of the former president, she has advocated tirelessly for justice for herself and other victims. Isatou played a key role in mobilizing victims to testify at the Truth Commission, ensuring their stories were heard and documented. She also created the Victims Podcast, a platform for victims to share their stories and amplify their voices in the pursuit of justice. Through the podcast, Isatou has shed light on the harrowing experiences of many, bringing international attention to their plight and helping to foster a sense of community and solidarity among survivors. Beyond her work with the podcast and the center, Isatou has engaged in numerous advocacy and capacity-building initiatives. She has conducted consultations with family members of victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions, providing them with support and a platform to speak out. Her efforts have extended to collaborations with various human rights organizations, enhancing the visibility and impact of the victims’ movement in The Gambia. Isatou’s commitment to justice and her ability to transform personal pain into a powerful force for change exemplify her resilience and leadership. Her work has not only contributed to the transitional justice process but has also inspired many to continue the fight for human rights and accountability in The Gambia and beyond.
Esther Mwema is an award winning artist and an Open Internet for Democracy Leader working to strengthen democratic digital governance by raising local voices for digital rights. She is also an Advisory Board member for the Digital Democracy Initiative aimed at expanding and enhancing inclusive democracy and civic space to increase digital resilience and security of pro-democracy civil society actors. She is a Mozilla Open Internet Leader who works with frontline activists to achieve Internet Freedom and democratic Internet Governance through open leadership. Esther Mwema has over years of experience as a digital inequalities expert, focused on in internet governance, digital rights and digital transformation. The themes of her work lay at the intersection of gender, youth, and technology. She has over a decade of experience working at both the high level, such as at the UN, and at the grassroots level with the organization she founded at 23 years old, Digital Grassroots (DIGRA). Through her leadership in championing tech-enabled democracy, Esther was featured as one of eight top innovators in the future of democracy anthology by CIPE. Esther prioritises African feminist and decolonial practice. She is part of the Steering Committee of the Feminist Accountability Framework by Global Fund for Women; and serves as a youth leader in the Action Coalition for Technology and Innovation for Gender Equality chaired by UN Women. At the UN CSW67, Esther moderated an all-women opening high level panel on Shaping a Feminist Digital Future that was open, safe and equal, with the UN Under-Secretary Generals of UN Women and UNICEF and the Secretary-General of the ITU. In 2022, she was awarded the Mozilla Creative Media award for her work Afro-Grids which uses African folklore as a methodology to examine the relationship between ownership of internet infrastructure and digital colonialism in Africa. Additonally, Esther was awarded the Prince Claus seed award grant to support her artistic practice, sponsored by the Ing Yoe Tan Foundation. She was also recipient of the C/Change R&D Lab award to gamify digital literacy through the Digital Rights Monopoly game she co-created. Esther was also awarded the Interledger Foundation Future|Money grant award to shape afrofuturist visions of inclusive open payment systems – all fundamental for tech-enabled democracy centred on dignity, autonomy, and human rights. In 2024, she received the Green Screen Catalyst Fund to advance her art research on the role of fibre optic cables and digital colonialism. Esther graduated Summa Cum Laude in Multimedia Journalism; and is a senior Atlantic Fellow at the International Institute of Inequalities based at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She graduated with an MSc in Inequalities and Social Sciences with a focus of study on technology and justice.
Adel Azouni founder of the Eco-Lab collective which is a citizen initiative of enthusiasts driven by ecological values in favor of environmental protection. Currently a doctoral student in geology applied to the environment at the Faculty of Sciences of Tunisia and enrolled in a Master’s degree in environmental law, previously project coordinator on an initiative around the green economy with a Tunisian organization ”El Space Social innovation Hub”, radio host and editor-in-chief of an environmental program on Radio Misk. Involved in various initiatives for the protection of nature such as the EARTH’na collective which developed a universal periodic report on environmental rights and development submitted to the Human Rights Council in Geneva in March 2022. In 2022, I was selected by UNDP Climate among the five young leaders from the Arab world who give hope in the fight against climate change. I ,m author with “tahrir institute for middle east policy” on environmental and climate issues in Tunisia. Chosen by ICLEI AFRICA as a YOUTH ambassador of the Afrifoodlinks project which aims to improve food security and the sustainability of urban food systems in more than 65 cities in Africa and Europe including Tunisia.
Fatoumatta Sandeng (from The Gambia) is the founder and CEO of Solo Sandeng Foundation. She spearheads the overall running of the foundation, directing policy and programs. Upon the arrest and subsequent death in custody of her father (Ebrima Solo Sandeng) who was tortured by state authorities in April 2016, Ms.Sandeng became an activist herself, advocating for justice and ensuring that his killers, amongst others were identified and brought to justice. Eventually, Sandeng became a renowned voice of Justice for crimes of Human Rights Violation under the former dictatorship in The Gambia. Until recently, she was the spokesperson of the Jammeh 2 Justice Campaign, a group of both Gambian and international human rights defenders working to bring ex. president Yahya Jammeh and other perpetrators to justice. She founded the Solo Sandeng Foundation in April 2017.
My name is Kerry Mwita, a 19 year old spirited human rights defender from Migori, Kenya. I am a Youth Advocate with Network for Adolescent and Youth of Africa, Advocacy Champion with Nguvu Collective and National Ambassador for Social Justice under Kenya ni Mimi campaign. I started my activism aged 17 and I have keen interest in Gender equality and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. My passion in these field has been fueled by my upbringing in the minority Kuria region in Kenya that records alarming proportions of GBV, FGM and limited access to SRHR services. Consequently, I have taken action to spearhead a unique digital advocacy campaign petitioning the office of the Chief Justice to establish a Gender Justice Court in Migori County that records a GBV prevalence of 51% and a whopping 78% FGM prevalence, making it one of the hotspot counties in Kenya . As part of the campaign, I’m actively engaging stakeholders from county to national levels to champion this cause including; The office of the governor, senator, county member of national assembly, Chief Registrar of the judiciary, office of the Chief Justice, the fourth estate among others. I’m also amplifying the campaign through top news outlets in Kenya through writing numerous opinion articles calling for reforms in the fields of gender equality and SRHR. I also conduct community engagements to sensitize on the need to abandon these vices and promote awareness on gender rights and SRHR. I brave advocacy profiling in a patriarchal community to continue using my advocacy skills to champion for substantive policy reforms. My advocacy work has earned me a number of awards in including; National Essay and Video Competition Award 2022 ( by UNICEF Kenya and The Standard Group PLC) and The African Art for Advocacy Award (by Youth Power Hub and YACT KENYA). I Significantly, several top news outlets in Kenya have highlighted my work. I hope to inspire and impact young people who have been relegated to the margins of decision making tables and in underserved areas to roll their sleeves and own their change making journey.
My name is Seth Tsongo, I am a young ecological activist based in eastern DR Congo. I was born in the middle of the war in 2002 in the province of North Kivu in the Virunga landscape, where I act on my scale by offering local communities a breath of fresh air and a space for dialogue and environmental resilience. I am also a social change activist, and a green entrepreneur, I do environmental education and agro-ecology. I am also the founder and CEO of an organization called “Shujaa-Initiarive” which is a socio-cultural movement of young people and children survivors of war and disasters due to climate pressures working in the consolidation of peace, the preservation and sustainable consultation ofthe environment and the development of grassroots communities.
Njobati Sylvie is a multiple-award-winning activist with over five years experience with focused on confronting the colonial past between Africa and her multiple colonial encounters with the West. Her works have been centered on providing Afro centric solutions to African’s cultural heritage. As one of the leading global voices on the question of restitution, Sylvie spearheads the #BringBackNgonnso campaign, which has garnered international recognition and sparked a global movement. Her far-reaching efforts have led to the decision to return 31 ‘Objects’ from Nso in Cameroon, previously held by the formidable Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation in Germany. The global reach of her BringBackNgonnso campaign, touching the lives of approximately 47 million people online and 7 million people offline, is a testament to the significance of her work and its potential for transformative change. Her campaign has also motivated several communities such as the Wimbum community, Oku community and countries to request the restitution of Africa’s Cultural Heritages that are not currently in Africa. Today, the return of eight invaluable heritages to the Bangwa community of Cameroon is a testament to Sylvie’s resolve to stand up for the dignity of Africa’s cultural heritages under the project Web of Plunder. From her humble beginnings as a member of the minority ‘Anglophone’ in Cameroon, Sylvie has risen to the world stage, challenging powerful institutions resistant to the question of decolonisation, ethical museum practices, and global recognition. Her journey, marked by resilience and determination, encompasses the many Rs in decolonisation, such as Restitution, Reparation, Reconnection, Reawakening, Restoration, and Relationships. Today, the German-Cameroon dialogue on the restitution of Cameroon’s heritage, now known as “the Stuttgart dialogue,” stands as a testament to Sylvie’s unwavering commitment to ensuring an equal dialogue between the victims of colonisation.
Abdoulaye Oumou SOW is a central figure of the National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC), human rights and democracy activist, journalist, and fact-checker from Guinea. He began his activism in 2013 with the Guinean Bloggers Association (Ablogui), leading significant campaigns and setting up platforms for election observation and monitoring President Condé’s campaign promises. Elected general secretary in 2019, he integrated Ablogui into Tournons La Page Guinea (TLP-Guinea) and the FNDC. SOW quickly assumed increasing responsibilities within the FNDC, ultimately becoming Head of Communications. His leadership and digital campaigning skills mobilized a large audience against Condé’s attempts to amend the constitution for a third presidential term. Arrested on October 12, 2019, alongside six other FNDC members, his detention marked a turning point in his commitment. Held for over 24 hours without access to his family or a lawyer, he was released on October 22, 2019. Several demonstrations during and after his release resulted in strong repression. With the military junta’s rise in 2021, SOW organized campaigns for a return to constitutional order and took part in FNDC demonstrations that were often violently repressed. On June 4, 2022, he narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt, forcing him into clandestinity before going into exile in July 2022. In exile, SOW contributed to the publication of TLP’s report on internet outages in Africa, led a campaign against internet blackouts in Guinea, and represented TLP in international forums and media. In August 2023, he supervised the setting-up of the French branch of the FNDC. SOW is a key source in media coverage of the disappearance of FNDC leaders Foniké Mengué and Billo Bah, kidnapped on July 9, 2024, by hooded soldiers. As a former victim of arbitrary arrests, he understands how the repression system works and has collected many testimonies on human rights violations in the carceral system.
My name is Moïse KYAVU, I am 30 years old, and I come from the eastern DRC in Rutshuru. I have been a human rights activist and defender since 2015 and a human rights educator since 2021. I live to fight for respect for human dignity, social justice, promotion of human rights and inclusion of races. My dream is a free and peaceful world.
Mwiza Zulu is an award winning Zambian artist and human rights activist,known for her music and unwavering commitment to social justice. Through her thought-provoking lyrics and performances, Mwiza has addressed various pressing issues such as police brutality, economic emancipation, and inequality, among others. At 24, Mwiza has shown commitment to contributing to the creation of a just society, and has consistently used her platforms to advocate for positive change, inspiring a new generation of young people to stand up for their rights and demand a better future. Beyond her music, Mwiza is a dedicated activist, currently serving on the steering committee of the Fight Inequality Alliance in Zambia. She is also in the process of forming a network of Artivists in Zambia to amplify artistic activism in the country and beyond.
My name is Kayimbi “Khai B” Daniel from the community is an album campaign of my upcoming album from the community. This initiative gives me an opportunity to go in communities,assess and assist where possible. The initiative comprises of two elements where assessment is done and action is taken. So far i worked with individuals i have identified (dropped out learner’s) who dropped out becouse of hearing impairment or visually impaired the step taken has been to direct them to relevant offices for solutions where a submission and consultation has been made to ministries such as the ministry of education and ministry of health ( Rundu state hospital). The project further raise funds to give donations and also sponsored youth for their artistic activities.this campaign is also attach to the unemployment in Namibia where i worked with unemployed teachers through this process i personally volunteer with others to start up a a school project which is now recognized by the ministry of education.alot await for this program
I am Schela Mutaka artist, singer-songwriter and activist who brings positive change to the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo. I started my career very young because I understood that I was part of the solution for the construction of peace and the development of my communities ravaged by a kind of generalized crisis (Wars, hunger, pandemic, drought, idleness of young people , discrimination, etc.) in myregion and Africa. Thus, I first became informed and trained in several areas of daily life and worked as a volunteer in the organization “Shujaa-Initiative” which is a socio-cultural movement of young people and children survivors of war and disasters due to climate change. working inthe consolidation of peace and the preservation, sustainable consultation of the environment and the development of grassroots communities.
Environmental writer and content creator on sustainable development particularly climate change. Passionate about questions related to these themes, I share the same opinion as astrophysicist Hubert Reeves: “Today, we must know that not only is our place of habitation threatened, but the human species itself is in danger.” Anxious to make my voice heard and defend this cause, I launched into climate activism.
Am Wanjira Hezron Ruriga alias Cricket Writes, a writing and performing Spoken word poet,based in the informal settlements of Nairobi, Kenya. I write poems that raise National counsciousness,patriotismandrectitude.Growing up in the informal settlements has inspired most of the pieces I perform.The high rates of arbitrary arrest,extrajudicialkillings,enforceddisappearancesand profiling by the Police,cases of defilement and rape are just but a few that have inspired my writings.Through my art I have partnered with different organisations and institutions with the aim of ending all forms of social injustices as art relates more to the community.I localise my content for a better understanding to all community members. Through art I see liberation from all social injustices.I believe in international solidarity with all artists around the globe doing progressive arts.
Nourratou Oumarou Hega, known artistically as NOURRATH LA DEBBOSLAM, is a 28-year-old activist from Niger and leading representative of women’s slam in Africa. Co-founder and coordinator of the NGO Debbo’arts in Niger and member of the Panafrican Artists Collective (CAP), she is committed to the promotion of women’s rights, democracy and the fight against violent extremism. Since the age of 17, NOURRATH LA DEBBOSLAM has been involved in civil society, participating in Niger’s Community Cohesion Program and the School of Democracy of the NGO Alternative Espaces Citoyens, where she gained experience as a young leader. In 2021, she joined Tournons La Page, performing at the 2nd West African Citizen Summit for a People’s ECOWAS and at the African Union’s Girls Summit. In 2022, she was crowned “Queen of Nigerien slam” and won the prizes for best female slammer and best music video. In 2023, she launched “DEBBOS’LAND”, the first female slam album in Niger, addressing women’s rights and democracy issues. To combat radicalization and gender-based violence, she co-founded Debbo’arts in 2022. This NGO uses art to promote peace and social cohesion in Niger. The same year, she launched the “SARAOUANIA” festival, bringing together young girls from all over the country to discuss women’s well-being. In 2023, Debbo’arts launched the International Festival of African Cultures and Living Together with an open-air concert in Niamey. NOURRATH LA DEBBOSLAM works to broaden these debates, by including men and fostering inclusive community exchanges. As a CAP member, NOURRATH LA DEBBOSLAM took part in the “Great Concert for Term Limits” in Dakar in 2022, which was held without an audience following its banning by the Senegalese authorities. In 2023, she took part in the “Great Concert for Democracy” in Paris, albeit at a distance due to the cancellation of visas by France following the coup d’état in Niger.
Iam a graduate diploma in civil engineering. Currently working with team tetezi organization as General secretary.. Due time I petioned through spirit of public participation before county assembly of busia opening and full equipping and operationalization of amukura level 4 hospital.. In which made the county government to allocate 17 million for pending bills.. 5 million for maternity wing and 2 doctors and 4 nurses were added.. Also petioned through spirit of public participation opening and operalization of Simbachai cassava processing plant.. Which the matter is before joint committee on trade and agriculture.. Also participated in rejection of finance bill 2024 by giving submissions at KICC and also joined demonstration..
Justice Dzwairo a DPhil in clinical psychology with University of Zimbabwe. He is currently manifesting the ilect of president works for United States of Africa. He is the holder of National Arts Gallery of Zimbabwe champion award. Justice Dzwairo is a true Rastafarian.He is working with Student Union in Africa and abroad. He is manifesting general presidential works at African Union Conferences of public health in Africa
In response to the tragic events at Lekki toll gate in Lagos State in 2020, where young protesters were killed during the #EndSARS protests against police brutality, the Street Project Foundation was driven to create Africa’s fastest growing art and social justice movement; ARTvocacy. This movement empowers young people to use creative arts as a means of expressing grievances and advocating for social change in a system marred by corruption and indifference. With the support of VOICE, a fund managed by OXFAM in Nigeria and initiated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, ARTvocacy was launched in Abuja and Enugu. Fifty young people underwent a six-week boot camp where they co-created a stage play, a coffee table book, and a short film, all aimed at raising awareness and driving social change. Thanks to additional support from the Karibu Foundation in Oslo, Norway, ARTvocacy has now taken root in Lagos State and is poised to expand to other cities such as Port Harcourt, Abeokuta, Benin, and Jos. The movement now boasts over 3,000 youth participants, both in-person and virtually, across Nigeria. To date, ARTvocacy members have produced four short films, five stage plays, a 20-episode podcast series, and two photo storybooks. These creative outputs have not only amplified the voices of young Nigerians but have also fostered a sense of community and resilience among them. ARTvocacy has successfully created a platform for young people to safely and effectively advocate for their rights and future without fear of losing their lives. Our movement continues to inspire and mobilize youth across Nigeria, proving that through creativity and solidarity, lasting change is possible.
Equal Education (EE) is a youth-led mass democratic movement in South Africa of learners, post-school youth, parents, teachers and community members who use mobilisation and public action, supported by careful research, to empower young activists and ensure equality in South African education. We are a leader in youth leadership development. Our campaigns are informed by the experiences of EE members and by policy analysis. We build understanding of the education system, while drawing attention to problems faced by schools and their communities. EE offers a new way to participate in the democratic system and bring change to education and society.
LUCHA is a non-partisan & non-violent Congolese citizens’ movement that was launched on May 1, 2012 in Goma, DR Congo, by young people revolted by the country’s situation of general chaos. Lucha mobilize the Congolese people and act together to shape of a new, united, free, peaceful and prosperous Congo, whose honest and conscientious sons and daughters assume their civic power to achieve human dignity and social justice.
HAND IN HAND Cameroon is a women’s led Association that focuses on educating, advocating on Gender related Issues, promoting green environments and green agriculture within communities. Hand in Hand Cameroon, advocates for gender and climate related issues, with a strong passion on forest protection and land restoration. Thus, engaging community educational programs on waste management, making of reusable sanitary pads and constantly educating communities on best waste management techniques. Hand in hand Cameroon has helped empower many women with hand skills like the making of hand bags and purses 👛 from plastics bottles and waste materials, the making of Fascinator hates from plastic. Carried out several community events to empower women on poultry farming, how to make soda soap, liquid soap and ice cream as a sustainable means of livelihood support. They have carried out several outreaches that have contributed directly and indirectly to transform the lives of thousands of women and children, by donating cash gifts, school kits to vulnerable children, menstrual pads to women and girls, medical support and food items to several Internally displaced and vulnerable households, women, widows, orphans and children. One remarkable event was it’s green vegetable farm that was cultivated and donated to orphanages in Limbe, while some sold to raise money for school fees for vulnerable children. This association has done alot to combat gender base violence within the society by sensitizing women on media programs, organizing awareness walks, community and school sensitization program to prevent violence against women and girls. It has offered psychosocial and legal support to several victims of rape, while also supporting victims with basic medical assistance. Base on th environment, HAND IN HAND Cameroon has educated several communities on waste management and how to recycle and reuse household waste. They have volunteered in several communities to pick up trash every weekend and carry them to the nearest Hysacam trash bins. An initiative worth applauding and constantly keeping the environment clean. So far, they have developed hecters of green community farms were they planted corn and vegetables that have been donated to IDP camps, while they also engage in collecting food stuffs donated by market donors to feed IDPs. An initiative that combats food waste within our markets. This Associate has done alot and is worth this award as a way of encouraging it’s relentless and selfless contribution to society, community and lives of many.
#VOO TV: A Platform for Change Founded by Nelson, #VOO TV has become a powerful tool for advocacy and community support. The platform serves as a voice for the voiceless, shedding light on critical issues and mobilizing resources to address them. Through #VOO TV, Nelson has been able to reach a wider audience, raising awareness about human rights abuses and garnering support for his initiatives. The platform’s impact extends beyond advocacy, as it actively engages in providing direct aid and support to those in need. * Education for Children One of the cornerstone initiatives of #VOO TV is its commitment to education. Nelson firmly believes that education is a fundamental right and a crucial tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and oppression. Through his platform, he has facilitated access to education for countless children in his community. By providing school fees, supplies, and other necessary resources, Nelson ensures that these children have the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a brighter future for themselves. His efforts have not only transformed individual lives but have also contributed to the overall development and empowerment of the community.
Sanitized Communities Konnect (SANCOK) Foundation is an independent, non-profitable governmental organization (NGOs). It is mainly concerned with implementing non-profitable social work in the field of Youth, Women, Education, Health, Climate Change, Sanitation and Economic Development. We focus on providing opportunities and involvement of young generation in rural and urban communities in Ghana with Open-Defecation-Free and Tree Planting in different communities in Ghana.
for who you think should be named the 2024 Africans Rising Activist of the Year, Movement of the Year, or Artistic Activist of the Year.