President Obama Introduces New Cohort of 34 Obama Foundation Leaders from Africa
September 17, 2024
This year’s Leaders Africa cohort is part of new class of over 200 Obama Foundation Leaders who were selected from a competitive pool of more than 6,000 applicants from around the world
CHICAGO – Today, President Obama proudly introduced a new cohort of 34 emerging changemakers from Africa as part of The Obama Foundation’s Leaders program. They are part of a larger class of 205 individuals that comprises 35 Leaders from the Asia-Pacific region, 36 from Europe, and 100 from the United States. Chosen from a highly competitive pool of over 6,000 applicants, these Leaders will join regional cohorts that reflect the global impact of the Foundation’s leadership network.
The 34 Africa “Obama Leaders” represent 22 nations and territories across the continent and represent a wide spectrum of sectors—including public, private, and civil—they are dedicated to tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues. From democracy and civic engagement to addressing the climate crisis and advancing education, these Leaders are ready to work together to solve the greatest challenges of our time, including:
A flight lieutenant in the Ghana Armed Forces who engages in peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts through diverse leadership approaches;
A founder of a STEM education organization who equips children in Zimbabwe with essential skills for the future through robotics learning kits; and
A third-generation farmer addressing the quality of harvests and access to markets through blockchain technology in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"Our Leaders program connects and empowers changemakers from around the world who are advancing inclusive and effective solutions to the biggest challenges we face,” said President Obama. "I'm incredibly proud of the Leaders we've worked with over the years, and excited to welcome this new class. Together, they bring different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to the table, and our hope is that they’ll be able to learn from each other and develop a deep network of support. I'm inspired by their dedication, and look forward to seeing them grow and create lasting, meaningful change in their communities."
The Obama Foundation Leaders Africa Program, now in its fifth year, was inspired by the leadership values and approach of President and Mrs. Obama. The program draws on the Foundation’s ‘Hope to Action’ curriculum to support Leaders in engaging diverse perspectives, building collective power, and making tangible, sustainable progress towards a better world.
The Leaders program was first launched in Africa in 2018, followed by its expansion to the Asia-Pacific region in 2019, and then to Europe in 2020. The Leaders USA program began in 2023, and this is the first year that all four Leaders programs will run concurrently, allowing for more opportunities for cross-regional collaboration. Upon completion of the program, Obama Leaders will continue to gain a broader continental and global perspective, joining the Obama Leadership Network, a growing global alumni community of over 1,000 active changemakers.
