The Future Africa Leaders Award recognises 10 young Africans whose initiatives are delivering measurable community impact across the continent

The Future Africa Leaders Foundation unveiled the winners and ambassadors of the 2025 Future Africa Leaders Award in Lagos, Nigeria, on Tuesday, recognising 10 young Africans whose initiatives are delivering measurable impact across communities on the continent.

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The award presentation ceremony brought together development advocates, civil society leaders and members of the media to highlight youth-led solutions spanning agriculture, education, health, technology, advocacy and humanitarian service.

Organised by the Future Africa Leaders Foundation and supported by the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International, the event reinforced the growing influence of young people in reshaping Africa’s development narrative through locally driven and scalable interventions.

Speaking at a media briefing, Pastor Tuoyo Temisan, a member of Loveworld Inc.’s Central Executive Council and anchor of the Future Africa Leaders Award, said the selection process focused on sustained impact rather than visibility.

Pastor Tuoyo Temisan said the judges prioritised consistency and reach, noting that several recipients had implemented projects across multiple countries and sectors.

He added that many of the awardees were defined by long-term commitment rather than single interventions.

Since its inception 13 years ago, the Future Africa Leaders Award has produced winners from 33 African countries.

Organisers said past recipients have gone on to influence public policy, develop agritech innovations, expand literacy programmes and support widows, young girls and other vulnerable groups.

Also speaking at the event, the coordinator of the Chris Oyakhilome Foundation International, Pastor Arinze Emmanuel, said the initiative reflected the vision of the foundation’s founder, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.

Pastor Arinze Emmanuel said young people should be recognised as leaders of today, stressing that when provided with the right environment and encouragement, African youth have the capacity to transform nations.

In her remarks, the Senior Executive Officer of the Future Africa Leaders Foundation, Dr Olajumoke Ola-Akisanya, said the organisation was committed to nurturing locally grounded and sustainable solutions that respond directly to community needs.

Dr Olajumoke Ola-Akisanya said the foundation was raising fearless young Africans who understand their social and cultural contexts and are able to engineer solutions that work, describing the award as a powerful platform for responsible leadership.

One of the 2025 Star Prize winners, Kenyan agripreneur ambassador Rejoice Waithera, said the recognition had strengthened her resolve to continue her work despite persistent challenges.

Rejoice Waithera said the award affirmed the potential of young Africans to succeed, recounting years of navigating limited access to institutional and government support while pursuing her agricultural initiatives.

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Organisers said the foundation plans to expand mentorship programmes, deepen partnerships and strengthen engagement with institutions to help scale the initiatives of both current and past awardees of the Future Africa Leaders Award.