The African Young Leaders Foundation (AYLF)
works to prepare the next generation of community, civic, and business leaders in Africa and beyond.
SEASON's GREETINGS
WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER & CEO
James Aaporekuu
FOUNDER & 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
Years of Operation
Registered Members
Partnerships
Projects Executed
Countries Covered
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY
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
