Stories from Sub-Saharan Africa

Changemaker’s Journey Saviour Iwueze grew up surrounded by the beauty of nature in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, Nigeria. Her love for nature heightened her sensitivity to climate change and its effects, which enabled her to connect several childhood experiences to its impact. For instance, she frequently...

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.

Changemaker’s Journey Digital illiteracy, according to Peter, has hindered him from adapting to the learning and problem-solving models essential for becoming a 21st-century changemaking leader. Growing up, he attended a public school in an underserved community, and throughout his six years of...

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

Changemaker’s Journey Naomi’s journey into STEM began during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 when she discovered coding and web development. This led her into the tech community, where she attended hackathons—intensive events where participants have 24 to 70 hours to build tech-based projects. It was...

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.

Changemaker’s Journey At sixteen, Favour was a victim of sexual abuse—a harrowing experience that gave her a reality check and made her realise that there could be many others like her in need of support. This realisation prompted her to start an initiative to raise awareness, provide support, and...

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.

Changemaker’s Journey Coming from an underserved community herself, where she lacked access to digital skills in secondary school, Eunice took it upon herself to create learning opportunities for young people in similar situations, empowering them to become digitally literate. She became acutely...

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

Changemaker’s Journey As a child, Dawn Cobhams lacked access to after-school educational support due to financial constraints. She had to rely on the internet for the few virtual learning resources available to fully grasp certain school topics, which affected her academic performance. This...

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.

Ashraf Aminu Maisikeli is a young changemaker from Kano State, committed to empowering street children and out-of-school youth in Northern Nigeria by helping them harness their abilities and access life-changing opportunities

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.

Changemaker’s Journey Flourish Alonge is a passionate mental health advocate from Ekiti State, Nigeria. Her journey began not with advocacy, but with personal pain. While living in Lagos, she silently battled anorexia nervosa—an eating disorder defined by an intense fear of gaining weight, which led...

As a new graduate from veterinary school, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka invented her first job

Changemaker Journey Magnus' story is a testament to the power of resilience, particularly in the face of tragedy and heart-rending personal loss. Following the passing of his father, Magnus had to contend with a number of significant challenges — all while reckoning with the traumatic experience of...

Changemaker Journey Abeedah's changemaking journey has largely been driven by her personal experiences, with the challenges she contended with as a child having an indelible impact on her sustainable outlook and activist mindset. Her secondary school years were marked by devastating natural...

Changemaker Journey Amara is one of countless activists who have been compelled by challenging circumstances to rise to the task of effecting positive change in disadvantaged communities, supporting people in need to lead the lives they deserve. What sets her apart, however, is her unwavering...

Changemaker Journey Like many young Nigerians, Victor understands just how hard it is to strive for success when faced with economic and structural disadvantages. He grew up without the means, opportunities or access to pursue his passions, with these considerable barriers almost proving...