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Opportunities &
Challenges

The obstacles preventing young men and women in Africa
from reaching their full leadership potential are entrenched
within our cultural, economic, political and social frameworks.

 
 

Opportunities &
Challenges

The obstacles preventing young men and women in Africa
from reaching their full leadership potential are entrenched
within our cultural, economic, political and social frameworks.

Our Impact in Numbers

Employment & Entrepreneurship

89%

of our program participants have successfully transitioned into employment or entrepreneurship. Among the entrepreneurs,

73%

have seen significant revenue growth.

Training & Empowerment

We’ve trained over

1,200

young leaders –

65%

of whom are young women.

A Vibrant Community

A learning community of over

8,000

youth – over 100 with Africa-wide exposure to enrich their experiences.

Regional Reach

Our programs span across

8 African countries,

fostering cross-border collaboration and impact.

Community Impact

Our participants have contributed over

20,000 hours of community service,

primarily benefiting education centers.

Academic Partnerships

We have established partnerships with

Over 16 leading universities,

including a strong collaboration with local and international institutions.

High Program Satisfaction

Over 96%

of our participants highly recommend our programs to other young people.

High Program Satisfaction

over 4,100

participants applied to join flagship program in 2023

Building Collective Wisdom Through Learning Community

“The webinars are a real highlight of LAPID’s work. The content is well thought out, so helpful, immediately applicable, and honestly not offered anywhere else that I can find.”

WEBINAR PARTICIPANT

2,700

2023 Numbers

We trained on key issues impacting young leaders including Personal Branding, Resilience, Becoming Change Agents

1. Unresponsive Education Systems

Traditional education systems do not promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. As a result, many young men and women lack the skills that respond to real-world needs in a meaningful way.

Our solution

We provide comprehensive training that equips young leaders with critical thinking skills to support innovation and advocacy. Through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and collaborative learning, we prepare them to take on leadership roles with confidence and competence.

2. Enduring Socio-economic Structures

Legacy challenges, including systemic inequality, political instability and corruption prevent young people from accessing the opportunities they deserve, preventing them from becoming change-agents. Colonial legacy systems prioritize wealth accumulation over equitable access to resources, further compounding the issue.

Our solution

We create pathways for young people to access and participate in employment and entrepreneurship opportunities that were previously out of reach.

3. Evolving Environmental Challenges

Young men and women across Africa, particularly those in marginalized areas, shoulder the impact of environmental challenges. Without adequate support, they are unable to innovate, contribute to solutions, and thrive amidst new challenges.

Our solution

We design and implement programs that empower young men and women to tackle environmental injustices and challenges head-on. We provide them with platforms and resources to drive community-focused solutions that address the most pressing issues of our time.

4. Inadequate Community Support

Many young people in marginalized areas, like rural and low-income communities, do not have the necessary networks to foster their growth. Without robust support systems such as mentors and opportunities for peer learning, these emerging leaders cannot realize their full potential.

Our solution

We engage with power brokers in the lives of young men and women, strengthening connections between potential youth, mentors, and community leaders. Our focus on community-backed solutions ensures the interventions they drive have a robust support network.

Impact Pathways:

Leadership and Innovation Hubs

Establishing centers that provide relevant training and support for youth leaders to develop and apply their skills in real-world contexts.

Economic Empowerment Initiatives

Creating programs that address barriers to the active economic participation of youth and promote entrepreneurship, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to succeed.

Advocacy and Civic Engagement Platforms

Developing youth-driven platforms to advocate for policy reforms, challenge systemic injustices, and lead environmental initiatives.

Community Support Networks

Building strong networks that connect youth with mentors, peers, and resources, foster a supportive community that nurtures their growth and leadership.

Awards & Recognition

Esther Obama Fellowship and African Women in Public Service

Recognition from the Africa Leadership Institute as one of Africa's top youth leadership development programs.

Recognition by Ubuntu International for embodying Ubuntu values - Link to trailer of documentary

Support Our Mission

We invite you to be part of our journey. Your support can make a significant difference in empowering young leaders and advancing our mission. To contribute and help us continue shaping the future of leadership in Africa, please consider making a donation.