26th June Addis Ababa- The Office of the African Union Youth Envoy and African Leadership Academy (ALA) are pleased to announce a groundbreaking partnership that aims to unleash the potential of Africa's youth by placing fellows in executive positions for a transformative two-year period. This strategic collaboration will provide a unique opportunity for young leaders to actively contribute to shaping the continent's future and drive positive change at the highest levels of decision-making.

The Office of the African Union Youth Envoy, a pivotal body dedicated to advancing the empowerment and inclusion of young people across Africa, recognizes the immense potential of youth leadership. Through this partnership, the office seeks to leverage the African Leadership Academy's renowned expertise in developing ethical and entrepreneurial leaders to create a platform for talented young individuals to gain firsthand experience in executive roles.

Under this collaboration, a select group of exceptional Africans from the Umholi we Africa Fellowship will be chosen through a rigorous application process to serve as special advisors to the Youth Envoy. These fellows will have the chance to work alongside the AU Youth Envoy, gain invaluable experience, and contribute to the formulation and implementation of policies that will shape Africa's development trajectory. The two-year duration of the placement will allow fellows to make a sustained impact and drive tangible results.

African Union Youth Envoy Chairperson, Her Excellency Chido Mpemba, commended the partnership, stating, "This collaboration between the Office of the African Union Youth Envoy and African Leadership Academy marks an important milestone in our collective efforts to empower young leaders. By providing a platform for youth representation at the highest levels, we are demonstrating our commitment to harnessing the potential of young Africans in shaping the future we want."

Ms. Val Wiggett, the Senior Director for Career Programs at African Leadership Academy, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, "We are thrilled to be partnering with the Office of the African Union Youth Envoy to offer this unparalleled opportunity to Africa's emerging leaders. By placing fellows in executive positions, we are enabling them to drive change, shape policies, and build the continent they envision. This collaboration is a testament to our shared belief in the transformative power of young leaders."

This partnership represents a dynamic alliance between two organizations with a shared vision for Africa's future. By combining the African Union Office of the Youth Envoy's commitment to youth empowerment and the African Leadership Academy's Umholi We Africa Fellowship, this initiative will equip young leaders with the skills, networks, and experiences needed to contribute meaningfully to Africa's sustainable development.

For more information Contact

Mr. Idris Muktar Ibrahim, | Office of the Youth Envoy | African Union Commission Tel: +15104961639 | E-mail: auyouthenvoy@africa-union.org| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org

Web: www.au.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube