Stories from Sub-Saharan Africa

Splendour Kalu is a young changemaker dedicated to empowering students in rural areas of Nigeria, especially young girls, with digital skills. Through his initiative, Communities Will Connect, Splendour is bridging the digital literacy gap by providing underserved children the opportunity to learn...

Godwin Kevin is a young changemaker working to ensure access to opportunities for young people. As a passionate advocate for youth leadership and empowerment, he is committed to connecting young people to resources, training and engagements that help them become changemakers. He believes that with...

David Onilude is a young changemaker empowering and improving the livelihoods of children in underserved communities in Nigeria through technology. His work is ensuring that young people in rural communities have the digital skills, resources, and support to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world...

Ayomide Akran is a 13-year-old changemaker dedicated to sustainable environment and gender equality in Nigeria. She is committed to combatting ‘period poverty’ and improving the recycling system in Nigeria by providing sustainable reusable pads for young girls. Ayomide believes that with the right...

Jonathan Godwin is a technology savvy young changemaker who is helping ensure that young people with few financial or educational resources are building the skills most needed for today's rapidly changing world. He is unleashing their power as changemakers through alternative models that champion...

“I want to leave everyone that I have met better than how I met them. I want them to begin to see possibilities in themselves, and begin to think of growth.”

This is the story of how Memory and her peers in Zambia are advocating for people with albinism and activating others to create a safer and more inclusive society.

Marcus, a 13-year-old changemaker from Kenya, launched an online e-learning platform to inspire kids like him to spend more time developing their unique skills and talents.

As a university student in South Africa working on youth development, Thabiso actively sees the potential for excellence in all students. When she is not in class, she is rallying her peers to equip younger students to be engaged learners, active civic leaders, and ambitious changemakers.

Daniel is on a journey to enable young people in Lagos, Nigeria to determine their own future through education, employment, and agency.

Bukola's journey to launching Nigeria’s first online and voluntary blood donor register started in her teens. Since learning she had sickle cell as a young girl, Bukola has been on a mission to increase the quality of life for millions living with the disease.

From a young age, Daniel has been committed to feeding his community. Today, he is reconceiving the food production system across Côte d'Ivoire.

Uche discovered his love for innovation and entrepreneurship at a young age, which prepared him to transform infant and maternal health practices across Nigeria.

Racheal is determined to create a more accessible, equitable world for young people living with disabilities and caregivers.

Addressing climate change and environmental degradation in Kenya through student-led education and advocacy.

By spreading knowledge of the SDGs Goals to young people, Elly and his team are equipping his generation with the mindset and skills to implement each goal for the good of all.

Future Forward, an initiative by Ashoka and the MasterCard Foundation, identifies and supports social entrepreneurs and changemakers with innovative solutions for youth employment in sub-Saharan Africa. How well do you develop youth leaders? Discover your personal strengths, how your organization...

By participating in and eventually co-leading initiatives through RLabs, Allan is incubating technology-driven ideas for improving the lives of young people across South Africa.