Message

Seasoned Greetings

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, members, and supporters for your unwavering commitment throughout 2024. Your contributions made our shared vision of inspiring and empowering young leaders across Africa a reality.

As we have stepped into 2025, we look forward to deepening our impact and creating even greater opportunities for youth leadership and transformation across the continent.

WELCOME MESSAGE

FROM THE FOUNDER & CEO

About Founder
James Aaporekuu (Founder and CEO)

As a young leader and Head of the African Young Leaders Foundation - AYLF, I begin this message with deep gratitude for the opportunities and challenges that have shaped our journey so far. This is not just a reflection on the work we have done but also a call to action as we step into 2025 with renewed purpose and unwavering resolve. The past year has been a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and collaboration. Leading this Foundation has been a humbling experience, filled with lessons about responsibility, perseverance, and the unshakable belief that young people hold the key to Africa’s transformation.

I am reminded daily of the extraordinary potential within us as young leaders to reimagine our communities, elevate voices often unheard, and lead with integrity. As I reflect, I also recognize the weight of the commitment we carry. True leadership is not about titles or accolades; it is about service, sacrifice, and empowering others.

In 2025, my personal commitment together with my Team leaders is to deepen the impact of our initiatives, foster more inclusive platforms for youth participation, and strengthen partnerships that drive meaningful change. I want to remind all young leaders that our work is far from done. Each of us has a unique role to play in building a brighter, more sustainable future. It is our passion, our innovation, and our determination that will overcome the challenges ahead. We must inspire each other to rise above limitations, think beyond boundaries, and act with purpose.

To those who feel the weight of setbacks or the fear of failure, I say this: leadership is a journey, not a destination. The challenges we encounter serve as opportunities for development, and the influence we exert, regardless of its magnitude, holds significant importance. In 2025, let us walk this journey together. Let us be the generation that not only speaks of change but creates it.

Let us build an Africa where every young person can dream, lead, and thrive. Let us lead boldly, serve humbly, and inspire endlessly. The Mind Is The Limit and Not the Sky.

Our

CORE PRINCIPLES

Generosity

We take time to listen and support each other at a deep, human level. We go out of our way to make a difference to one another's work. We are inclusive. We challenge each other and make diversity a source of strength.

Authenticity

We bring our real selves to the community. We open up. We seek humility and acknowledge what we do not know, so we can learn from others. We value each other as individuals, beyond the roles we occupy.

Respect

We communicate respect, even when we deeply disagree. We earn trust and honour the commitments we make to one another. We strive for transparency in the way we operate and hold each other accountable.

Impact

We operate as a force for good and stand for something larger than ourselves. We imagine a better world and take personal responsibility to act. We capitalize on diverse talents and networks to achieve more together than we could alone. We overcome barriers that elsewhere stand in the way of progress.

Our

Values

Leadership

We organize leadership forums, workshops and career development sessions for community building to effect positive change.

Excellence

We work by observing issues in communities with due consideration both for intent and impact with the believe that whatever is worth doing is worth doing it right.

Responsiveness

We dig to find out all the necessary issues that need to be address, listen and respond to the needs of the community.

Integrity

We act with integrity that inspires the highest trust amongst all individuals.

Impact

We make a positive difference and have a measurable impact on the African Continent.

Excellence

We work by observing issues in communities with due consideration both for intent and impact with the believe that whatever is worth doing is worth doing it right.

Openness

We are accessible and always open to all interested in participating in our involvement in influencing the African Continent.

Collaboration

We are committed to a syndicate process to reach common goals that cannot be reached through the efforts of individuals or organizations acting alone.

FOUNDATION’S

EQUITY STATEMENT

We acknowledge rural marginalization and other forms of oppression have contributed to persistent inequities which AYLF seeks to understand and address.

We acknowledge that these inequities are the result of policies and practices that have worked, intentionally or otherwise, to marginalize people.

AYLF strives to listen and take action, especially along with those whose voices have traditionally been marginalized.

We work with residents and public and private partners to co-create solutions that ensure everyone has the resources, supports, opportunities and networks they need to thrive.

We devote to leveraging all our assets to create more equitable communities.

Our actions are guided by our foundational belief that we achieve the greatest outcomes when everyone is carried along.

Quick

Stats

1+

Years of Operation

AYLF has successfully completed its first impactful year, laying a strong foundation for youth leadership development across Africa.

9500+

Registered Members

A vibrant and growing community of young leaders united by a shared vision of transformation and service.

10+

Partnerships

Strategic collaborations with organizations that share our commitment to empowering Africa’s next generation of leaders.

15+

Projects Executed

Meaningful initiatives and programs designed to inspire, equip, and connect young people across diverse sectors.

44+

Countries Covered

A truly Pan-African presence, fostering leadership networks and collaboration among youth from 44 African nations.

INTERNATIONAL

YOUTH DAY

As we celebrate the strength, creativity, and resilience of young people across Africa and the world. AYLF remains committed to empowering youth to lead with purpose, integrity, and compassion — shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

BREAKING

THE SILENCE

The AYLF Zimbabwe team, in collaboration with Students for Liberty and LOLA, joined hands to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Guided by the powerful slogan, "Silence is not an option: Speak Out Against GBV," we are working tirelessly to raise awareness, ignite important conversations, and call for action against all forms of gender-based violence.

This ongoing campaign is a collective effort to ensure that every voice is heard, every survivor is supported, and every community is educated. Through advocacy, outreach, and active engagement, we are showing that silence perpetuates violence, and we must speak out to end the cycle.

Together, we continue to lead the charge for change, empowering youth and creating lasting impact.

OUR

SPONSORS & PARTNERS