*** Spotlighting Africa’s Next Generation of Change Leaders
World Economic Forum ( WEF) in partnership with the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has announced the 2026 cohort of the Young Global Leaders ( YSL) Aliko Dangote Fellows, highlighting a new generation of African leaders committed to expanding opportunity and strengthening institutions across the African continent.
The fellowship serves as a critical bridge between Africa’s emerging conglomerates and the Young Global Leaders network, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and sustained development. The YGL Aliko Dangote Fellowship supports high – impact African leaders by enabling their full participation in the forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL) programme and broader WEF activities.
WEF said the 2026 YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows represent diverse professional backgrounds spanning healthcare, technology, entrepreneurship and advocacy across sub – Sahara Africa. The newly selected fellows are Dr. Esperance Luvindao. Charlot Magayi, founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves; Rew Udoji, founder of Cranstoun; Dr. Stephen Modise; Dr. Musa Kika Hatin – Eltayab; Kemi Lala Akindoju; and Vimbai Masiyiwa.
With strong emphasis on empowering women leaders, the fellowship is designed to support African shaping solutions to socio economic challenges while strengthening leadership capacity across key sectors.
Over the past 14 years, Aliko Dangote Foundation – powered fellowship has supported more than 130 young African leaders providing access to Davos meetings, executive education opportunities and influencing peer networks , that amplify African voices on the global stage.
Commenting on the announcement, Fatima Aliko Dangote, Trustee of the Aliko Dangote Foundation Group Executive Director, Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, described described the 2026 described the 2026 fellows as ” leaders who will expand opportunity and strengthen institutions, advancing Africa on its own terms.
She added “Africa’s future will be defined by the strength of its people. When the right leaders especially women – are empowered and are global voice; they do not just lead; they reshape what is possible. That’s why we invest in people: because it is the surest path to listing global prosperity, stability, and self determination the 2026 cohort embodies this vision.
According to her, the 2026 YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows represent that future leaders who will expand opportunity and strengthen n institutions, advancing Africa on its own terms while helping define a world whose future will be shaped by the continent.
She explained that the idea behind the YGL Aliko Dangote Fellowship is to cultivate, empowers, and support exceptional Africa leaders 40, ensuring they have the resources to participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF)s Young Global Leaders (YGL) community it specifically aims to accelerate their impact on the continent and globally.
Details of the new fellows in the announcement indicated that; Hatim Eltayab, is the Chief Executive Officer Africa’s most Leadership Institutions, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services combining clinical experience digital health and grassroots innovation, Charlot Magayi, the Kenyan founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves, linking cleaner energy, public and livelihoods, Dr. Stephen Modise, Botswana Ministry of Health, bringing data – driven approach to public health reform.
Dr. Musa Kika, Executive Director Institute of Human and Development in Africa, using law to defend constitution and civic space, Rewa Udoji the Nigerian artist and finance professional who works bridges culture, capital and women’s economic literacy; Kemi Lala Akindoju, the Nigerian producer and actor helping to reshape creative economy through talent development, financy and grounded storytelling.
MS Vimbai Masiyiwa, Co – founder and Chief Executive Officer of Batoka Africa, building a model of tourism rooted in sustainability, together, they reflect the range of leadership and fellowship. Is designed to support public leaders, entrepreneurs, institution – builders and cultural actors, already shaping systems in very different ways.
