Celebrating the African ChangeMakers Fellowship Cohort 3, 2019
As we reflect on the transformative impact of the African ChangeMakers Fellowship Program, we cannot help but celebrate the achievements and aspirations of the selected changemakers in Cohort 3, 2019. This cohort displayed the vibrant spirit of youth and innovation that characterizes this initiative, which seeks to equip Africa’s emerging leaders with the tools necessary to drive meaningful change.
A Diverse Selection Process
The selection process for the 2019 cohort was remarkably competitive, attracting 2,157 applicants from 47 countries across Africa. This diversity highlights the broad interest and need for innovative solutions and leadership within the continent. Notably, 34% of the applications came from female candidates, indicating a growing number of women stepping into leadership and changemaking roles. The countries with the highest number of applications included Nigeria (47%), Cameroon (8.7%), Kenya (7.4%), Ghana (4.9%), Tanzania (4%), and Uganda (3.9%).
The rigorous selection process engaged a diverse panel of industry experts who evaluated applicants on their leadership potential, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact within their communities.
Training to Empower Change
The fellowship program kicked off with a five-week online training commencing on October 14, 2019. This e-learning course aimed to enhance participants’ skills in various fields such as entrepreneurship, civic engagement, project management, tech innovation, and leadership. Leveraging digital connectivity, the program reached changemakers across all 54 African countries, allowing for an engaging exchange of ideas and practices.
The African ChangeMakers Fellowship Program is not just an educational initiative; it empowers participants to turn their ambitions into reality. The training fosters an environment of collaboration and mentorship, which is essential for nurturing the next generation of African leaders.
Vision and Mission
The driving force behind the African ChangeMakers Fellowship is the profound vision of amplifying African leadership and innovation. The program seeks to harness the potential of diverse voices across the continent, providing a platform for young leaders to express and develop their ideas into actionable projects. The mission is clear: to identify, nurture, and support changemaking leaders while fostering a connected community committed to transformation and impact.
This initiative champions values such as diversity, inclusiveness, and collaboration, ensuring that the solutions developed by fellows are sustainable and ethically grounded. As stated in their mission, "Our Vision Inspires Us, Our Mission Drives Us, Our Purpose Guides Us to Spark Change."
Opportunities for All
While Cohort 3, 2019, celebrates its achievements, the African ChangeMakers Fellowship Program remains committed to expanding its reach. For those who applied but were not selected, or for those interested in future cohorts, the program will soon open applications for Cohort 4, 2020. This focus on inclusivity ensures that as many aspiring changemakers as possible can benefit from the transformative resources the fellowship offers. Interested individuals are encouraged to stay connected through various social media channels for updates and application timelines.
Conclusion
The African ChangeMakers Fellowship Program Cohort 3, 2019, marks another significant milestone in the journey to empower the leaders of tomorrow. As the selected fellows embark on their transformative journey, it is evident that their combined efforts will reverberate throughout their communities and beyond, fostering innovation, collaboration, and systemic change. The future of Africa lies in the hands of these dedicated changemakers, and their journey has only just begun.
To view the complete list of selected applicants and learn more about the fellowship program, visit this link. Together, let us create a connected Africa where innovation thrives, and every young leader can make an impact!
