Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield Honored With 2025 Trailblazer for Africa Award

-A Celebration of Leadership, Legacy, and Africa’s Global Voice at the World Bank/IMF Meetings

By Ajong Mbapndah L

Washington, D.C. — October 14, 2025-The ballroom of the Capital Hilton was electric with pride, reflection, and purpose as diplomats, policymakers, and development leaders, human right leaders, gender advocates and more  gathered to honor Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. The occasion marked her recognition as the inaugural recipient of the Trailblazer for Africa Award, presented during the Africa @ World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings, a flagship platform celebrating African excellence and engagement on the global stage.

An Award Rooted in Vision and Transformation

Dr. Denis Foretia, Co-Chair of the Foretia Foundation, set the tone for the evening with a powerful reflection on why the Trailblazer for Africa Award was conceived.

After months of discussion, he explained, the vision crystallized: to honor “exceptional individuals, African or non-African, whose vision, leadership, and contributions have significantly advanced Africa’s transformation and development.”

The award, Foretia noted, celebrates those who “challenge conventional thinking, inspire meaningful change, and strengthen institutions and communities while promoting inclusive growth across the continent.”

He underscored that honorees are not only achievers but models of excellence who inspire future generations and reaffirm Africa’s place at the forefront of global transformation.

Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh’s Tribute: ‘A Lifetime of Service to Africa’

Taking the podium, Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, Senior Associate for Africa at the National Democratic Institute, delivered an emotional introduction to the 2025 recipient.

“At a time of renewed global competition, there is no better moment than now to recognize someone whose distinguished career has centered on amplifying Africa’s agency and voice,” he said, drawing applause.

Tracing Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield’s storied career — from her early postings in Kenya, Nigeria, and The Gambia, to her leadership as U.S. Ambassador to Liberia during a pivotal period of national renewal, and later as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs — Dr. Fomunyoh described her as “a champion for Africa, walking the continent’s streets, villages, and capitals with empathy and purpose.”

“She has looked out for Africa even in forums where the continent was not present,” he added. “Her service at the United Nations was not just diplomatic — it was moral, grounded in conviction and an unwavering belief that Africa must be heard.”

A Standing Ovation for a Lifetime of Service

As the room rose in applause, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield took the stage to a standing ovation. Her acceptance remarks were characteristically humble and heartfelt.
“I have received many recognitions in my life,” she began, “but to receive such an award from Africa, and to be the first recipient, is an extraordinary honor. I’ve always said — I was just doing my job, doing what I love, and what I committed my life to. But to be honored for that — for doing my job — is deeply moving,” Ambassador Greenfield said

Fireside Reflections: Leadership, Legacy, and Hope

Following the award presentation, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield joined Dr. Fomunyoh for a fireside chat — a warm, candid, and deeply inspiring conversation that spanned her decades of engagement with Africa.

Asked about her proudest accomplishments, she reflected first on her role in the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and the Mandela Washington Fellowship, which she helped champion under the Obama administration.
“Africa’s future rests on the shoulders of its youth,” she said. “They are already leaders — our role is to help them lead for good.”

She also spoke fondly of her time in Liberia, working alongside President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as the country emerged from civil war. “Liberia was in ashes,” she recalled. “President Sirleaf knew what she needed to do — she just needed support to make her vision real. Being by her side was one of the greatest privileges of my career.”

On U.S.-Africa Relations: A Time for African Agency

Turning to current global dynamics, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield offered a message both realistic and empowering.
“This is a new day,” she said. “Many agencies and programs that supported Africa are changing or disappearing — but rather than despair, this is the time for Africans to take the reins, to define their own futures, and to engage the world as equal partners.”

She urged African policymakers to seize the moment amid shifting U.S. priorities.
“If the administration’s policy is commercial and transactional,” she said with conviction, “Africa has a lot to transact. The continent must leverage its human and natural resources with transparency and vision.”

Africa’s Entrepreneurs and Global Partners

Responding to a question about global competition for African markets, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield expressed deep faith in the American private sector — but also in Africa’s ingenuity.

“The continent’s biggest resource isn’t oil or minerals,” she said. “It’s its people — a young, creative, unstoppable generation that is ready to lead in technology and innovation.”

She recalled seeing mobile money pioneered in Africa long before it became mainstream in the West. “African youth are not waiting for offices and titles. They’re building the future now.”

Her challenge to both American investors and African leaders was bold: “Invest in Africa. Build the top hospitals, the tech hubs, the manufacturing plants there. Don’t send talent away — let’s bring opportunity home.”

A Message to Africa’s Youth: ‘Dream Big — Big Enough to Scare You’

As the conversation closed, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield shared a story from President Sirleaf that continues to guide her life:
“She once said, if your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough. That’s my message to Africa’s youth — dream beyond what you think is possible. Africa is not waiting to be saved; it is an equal partner in shaping the world.”

Her tone turned solemn as she addressed ongoing conflicts.“When I was at the UN, what kept me up at night wasn’t always what was on the front page — it was Sudan, where tens of thousands were dying with little attention. Sometimes, we must force the world to see us, to hear our stories, to recognize our humanity.

A Standing Ovation for a Timeless Voice

The event closed with a renewed sense of inspiration and purpose.
As applause filled the room, attendees rose once more for Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield — diplomat, mentor, and advocate — whose life’s work continues to remind the world that Africa’s voice matters.

“Flex your muscles,” she had told the audience. “Listen to your people. And show your power as a continent.”